Faribault, Minnesota — A semitruck driver has pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal vehicular homicide after authorities said he was watching Netflix on his phone when he crashed into a couple’s car in a highway construction zone, killing both occupants.

Billie Joe Grimes, 57, admitted guilt in the deaths of Matthew Henry Hansen, 57, and Cimberly Ellen Hansen, 56, according to Rice County court records reviewed by Law&Crime. Grimes also pleaded guilty to criminal vehicular operation causing bodily harm in connection with the August 2023 crash.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 16, 2027.

What Happened in the Fatal Minnesota Highway Crash?

The collision happened at approximately 1:30 p.m. on August 25, 2023, on Interstate 35 near Faribault, Minnesota, about 50 miles south of Minneapolis.

Road construction was underway at the time, requiring one lane in each direction to be closed. Court documents state that warning signs had been placed along the highway to alert drivers to the upcoming work zone.

Grimes was driving a 2021 Volvo semitruck and had approximately five years of experience as a commercial truck driver, according to the Rice County Attorney’s Office.

Ahead of the truck was a red 2019 Toyota Camry carrying Matthew and Cimberly Hansen, an Iowa couple traveling to Minnesota to visit family. A Chevrolet Silverado towing a trailer was also traveling in front of the semitruck.

As traffic merged into a single lane through the construction area, the vehicles slowed to approximately 10 to 15 mph. Investigators said Grimes continued traveling at around 65 mph using cruise control, despite the slow-moving traffic ahead.

Investigators Say Driver Was Watching Netflix

According to the Rice County Attorney’s Office, Grimes was streaming a Netflix show on his phone while driving through the construction zone.

After the crash, Grimes reportedly told state troopers that he had looked down shortly before the collision. When he looked up, he said, the car was directly in front of him.

He also reportedly told investigators that he could not stop because of the heavy load he was hauling. Although Grimes initially denied using his phone, investigators found evidence that contradicted his account.

Dashcam footage reportedly showed him streaming a Netflix program as the crash occurred. Investigators also said there was no evidence that he applied the brakes before striking the vehicles.

According to prosecutors, Grimes had passed five construction warning signs, including two with flashing lights, before reaching the crash site.

The evidence became a key part of the investigation into how the fatal collision happened.

Couple Killed as Car Was Forced Into a Ditch

The impact devastated the Hansens’ Toyota Camry, which was crushed and thrown into a ditch. The semitruck and the Chevrolet pickup also went through a barbed-wire fence.

Witnesses rushed to help the occupants of the damaged vehicles.

Cimberly Hansen was reportedly dead by the time witnesses attempted to assist her. Matthew Hansen initially had a pulse, according to witness accounts, but it disappeared minutes later. He was also pronounced dead.

The driver of the Chevrolet Silverado survived but sustained minor injuries, including a bump on the head and shoulder pain. The fatal crash prompted an investigation by state troopers and prosecutors into the truck driver’s actions before the collision.

What the Couple’s Family Shared About Their Lives

The Hansens’ deaths ended a journey that was supposed to bring them closer to family. Their obituary described how they had built their lives in the Des Moines area of Iowa and enjoyed traveling with their family.

They took their children on annual camping trips to destinations ranging from the Grand Canyon to Niagara Falls. Later in life, they enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren and frequently traveled to visit one of their four children or take cruises around the world.

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The couple’s plans to visit family in Minnesota were interrupted by the fatal crash.

Their story highlights the devastating consequences that can follow when drivers fail to pay attention to changing traffic conditions, particularly in highway construction zones.

What Happens Next for Billie Joe Grimes?

Grimes was arrested and charged following the investigation. He initially pleaded not guilty before later admitting guilt to two counts of criminal vehicular homicide and one count of criminal vehicular operation causing bodily harm.

His guilty pleas mark a significant development in the case, which has remained unresolved since the August 2023 collision. His sentencing is scheduled for March 16, 2027, when the court is expected to determine the consequences of his convictions.

The case also underscores the dangers of distracted driving, especially when commercial vehicles approach construction zones where traffic may slow or stop unexpectedly.

A fully loaded semitruck requires considerable distance to stop, making it essential for drivers to watch the road, follow warning signs and adjust their speed to traffic conditions.

What are your thoughts on distracted driving and the responsibility of commercial truck drivers in construction zones? Share your views in the comments below.