Dylan Simmons, a 21-year-old from North Branch, has been convicted of second-degree murder in the death of 17-year-old Darisha Vath, who was struck and killed during a violent altercation in Forest Lake in July 2023. Simmons was also found guilty of criminal vehicular homicide and three counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon.
The deadly incident occurred during a fight between two groups armed with baseball bats, hammers, and knives at Lakeside Memorial Park. Witnesses testified that Simmons, driving a sedan, intentionally accelerated toward the opposing group, narrowly missing three people before reversing and striking Vath. Video footage showed Simmons’ car running over Vath before he fled the scene, returning only after being contacted by a witness at the site.
Police confirmed Simmons later admitted to driving the car and knowing he had run over Vath. Despite his admission, Simmons pleaded not guilty at trial.
“This verdict affirms that Dylan Simmons murdered Darisha Bailey Vath, pure and simple,” said Washington County Attorney Kevin Magnuson. “As her family experiences this moment of justice, we continue to keep them in our thoughts.”
Simmons remains in custody at Washington County Jail and is scheduled for sentencing on March 20, 2025.
