Woman Tried To Vinyl Wrap Car After Fatal Hit-And-Run, Police Say

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — A 22-year-old woman is accused of trying to conceal a damaged vehicle after a fatal hit-and-run that killed a University of St. Thomas student in northeast Minneapolis.

Gabryella Marie Liebgott has been charged with two counts of criminal vehicular homicide in the March 22 crash that killed 21-year-old Seham Hassen, according to a criminal complaint filed in Hennepin County.

Officers responded around 3 a.m. to the 1600 block of Marshall Street NE, where Hassen was found with life-threatening injuries. She was taken to Hennepin Healthcare, where she died the following day.

According to the complaint, a speeding vehicle veered toward the shoulder and struck Hassen as she stood near the roadway.

The driver did not stop and fled the scene, police said.

Investigators later identified a 2005 Infiniti G35 as the suspected vehicle and located it at a metro-area auto shop.

Authorities say the car had significant front-end damage, including a missing driver-side mirror, and investigators recovered what appeared to be blood and fabric fibers consistent with the victim’s dress.

Police say Liebgott brought the damaged vehicle to the shop days after the crash and discussed having it wrapped, even though repairs had not yet been completed.

Witnesses who were in the car told investigators Liebgott had been drinking and was driving at the time of the crash. They said the vehicle struck something hard, and Liebgott acknowledged hitting something but continued driving, according to the complaint.

The complaint states Liebgott did not turn herself in and was arrested April 3. She declined to give a statement to investigators.

A judge ordered Liebgott held on $150,000 bail pending further proceedings.