Driver pleads guilty to role in crash that killed 11-year-old girl in Independence

A 19-year-old man has pleaded guilty to his role in a crash that killed a middle schooler last year in Independence.

Connor Michael Iversen of Eagan entered a guilty plea on Monday to one count of criminal vehicular homicide in connection with the Feb. 26, 2025, death of 11-year-old Lilyana Loycano.

Charging documents allege Iversen was speeding and blew through a four-way stop when he struck the car carrying Lilyana and her family the morning of Feb. 26 near County Roads 6 and 83. Investigators found that Iversen was using his phone in the moments leading up to the crash.

If the plea agreement is accepted by the judge, Iversen could see charges dropped in three unrelated cases, including one case in which Iversen is accused of stabbing a man in the leg at a Golden Valley Park. In exchange, Iversen would serve a 44-month prison sentence.

A sentencing hearing is set for April 15.