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TOWER— A 50-year-old Virginia man has been arrested in the hit-and-run death of Amanda Boshey that occurred Tuesday, December 17th.
Boshey, 38, a Bois Forte band member, was walking along Reservation Road between Fortune Bay Resort Casino and Tibbetts Trail when she was struck and killed.
While details of the incident have been tightly sealed, law enforcement officials had enough cause to arrest Eric Peterson, who allegedly fled the scene after striking Boshey shortly after 9 p.m. Tuesday, December 17th.
Social media was buzzing as family and friends of Boshey demanded answers about the tragic accident. While his alleged involvement was not confirmed by authorities at the time of the Facebook posts, Peterson’s Facebook profile was being shared online urging authorities to investigate him.
Because the accident took place on the Vermilion Reservation, the FBI is heading up the case. While they did not release Peterson’s name, they did issue a brief statement saying that tips from the public were no longer needed in the afternoon hours of Thursday, Dec. 19.
It was later reported that Peterson was booked into custody at 3:55 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20 by U.S. Marshals. He was housed in Douglas County Jail in Superior as he fled to Wisconsin after the accident. However, he was released at roughly 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22. This news outraged friends and family of Boshey as the report indicated charges against Peterson were dropped. In a short statement via email later that evening, FBI Public Affairs Specialist Diana Freedman said that her agency’s charges were not dropped.
According to University of St. Thomas Law Professor Reid Lebeau, because Peterson is a non-native and the accident took place on an Indian Reservation, he would most likely be prosecuted in federal court in Duluth, Minnesota.
It is also too early to predict what charges Peterson would be facing as many variables, including any past offenses and if he was under the influence when the accident took place have not yet been disclosed.
Lebeau added that although no punishment can replace what the Boshey family lost, Peterson could be looking at criminal vehicular homicide or criminal vehicular manslaughter, both of which carry a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a maximum fine of $20,000.
Boshey was working as a laborer for Whitebird Services out of Local 1091. Her hobbies included shopping, going out to do things with family, and being involved with her recovery community.
According to family members, Amanda was a Leo and always made it a point to let people know that. She always loved lions because of it. Boshey always had something goofy to say, no matter her situation.
The family said Boshey’s five kids were her pride and joy even when they weren’t living with her. Her smile was contagious, and her laugh was as well. Shopping was her getaway —she always wanted to buy something for her family and friends even when they didn’t ask for it. She was always there for family and always had some way to help.
Boshey was recovering from her harsh addiction and was doing better for herself and her kids.
She would have been three years sober in January; it was something she had always cherished.
Family said that her five kids meant the world to her. Her oldest daughter was her best friend and was attached at the hip. They always did everything together. She was always active and ready to “Go, go, go,” with boundless energy and a zest for life. Boshey hated just sitting around doing nothing. She always had a project in the works and still had many more ideas she wanted to pursue.
Her friends, family, and even strangers, posted heartfelt messages on social media as news spread of the awful tragedy that devastated the Boshey family right before the holidays. A makeshift memorial was set up near the accident scene and included a beautiful wreath with a photo of Boshey. Others put up a small Christmas tree and a few single roses were also placed at the memorial as family and friends mourned the tragic loss of Boshey.
A fund has been set up at the Embarrass Vermilion Credit Union (www.evfcu.org) to help Boshey’s five children with their financial needs.
