Judge Declares Mistrial in Eagan Fatal Crash Case
A Minnesota jury failed to reach a verdict in the criminal case against Melody Little following a fatal 2025 collision.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Crime — General
A Dakota County judge declared a mistrial for Melody Little after a jury could not reach a consensus on charges related to a deadly Eagan crash. Little faces two counts each of third-degree murder and criminal vehicular homicide.
Why it matters
The case stems from a high-speed collision that resulted in the deaths of two individuals. The judicial process continues as prosecutors prepare to retry the case against the defendant.
A new trial for Melody Little is set for November 2, 2026, following the mistrial declared on October 14, 2026. Separately, co-defendant Jordan Weiland, who pleaded guilty to two counts of third-degree murder, faces sentencing on November 20, 2026.
The players
Melody Little
She is a 25-year-old defendant facing multiple criminal charges, including third-degree murder, following a fatal vehicle crash.
Jordan Weiland
He is a 22-year-old driver who previously pleaded guilty to two counts of third-degree murder for his involvement in the crash.
Reed Schultz
He was a 19-year-old victim who died as a result of the collision.
Finnian Cronin
He was an 18-year-old victim who died from injuries sustained in the crash.
The details
The June 14, 2025, crash on Highway 55 involved a Jeep Compass, a Honda Accord, and a Dodge Durango that were recorded traveling at approximately 110 mph. The vehicles lost control and crossed a concrete median, resulting in a fatal collision where the Jeep Compass struck a pole.
Timeline
June 14, 2025: The fatal crash occurred on Highway 55 in Eagan.
July 1, 2025: Victim Finnian Cronin died from his injuries.
April 2026: Jordan Weiland entered a guilty plea for his role in the incident.
October 14, 2026: A judge declared a mistrial after the jury failed to agree.
November 2, 2026: The new trial for Melody Little is scheduled to begin.
Legal Context
The use of third-degree murder charges in cases involving vehicular fatalities reflects a rigorous prosecutorial approach to high-speed reckless driving in Minnesota. This strategy deviates from traditional vehicular homicide statutes by seeking more severe penalties for behavior deemed dangerous to human life.
The conclusion of the legal process is a matter of community concern following the high-profile crash on a busy public highway. Residents can expect further updates as the judicial system proceeds with the upcoming retrial and sentencing hearings.
The takeaway
Legal proceedings in cases involving multiple defendants often result in complex, staggered timelines for trials and sentencing. This mistrial underscores the difficulty juries face when deliberating on severe criminal charges in high-speed vehicular cases.
What happens next
The court has scheduled a new trial for Melody Little to begin on November 2, 2026. Additionally, Jordan Weiland is scheduled to be sentenced for his guilty plea on November 20, 2026.
Further reading
Find additional coverage of local legal proceedings on the Eagan Crime — General page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
