Man Who Killed Top Minnesota Lawmaker and Her Husband Makes First State Court Appearance
- On Monday, Vance Boelter appeared in Hennepin County District Court to face eight state charges, including two counts of first-degree murder and attempted murder for his June 14, 2025, attacks on Minnesota lawmakers and their families.
- Boelter remains in custody following his federal sentencing less than two weeks ago, when he received consecutive life sentences plus 40 years for killing Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark.
- Prosecutors pursue state charges to prevent potential pardons, as Minnesota law mandates life in prison without parole for first-degree premeditated murder convictions, blocking any path to release.
- During the hearing, Boelter spoke about 49 days in solitary confinement, claiming he lost 36 pounds, which he said "I didn't think was humanly possible." He also requested a priest he has not seen in 14 months.
- The Hortman family said they are "grateful" for the federal case's resolution but added "nothing can replace what we have lost," as the state case continues with the next hearing scheduled for September 2.
46 Articles
46 Articles
Man who killed top Minnesota lawmaker and her husband makes first state court appearance
The man serving two life terms plus 40 years after pleading guilty to federal charges related to killing a top Democratic lawmaker and her husband has made his initial appearance in state court.
Minnesota lawmaker shootings: Vance Boelter to make first appearance in state murder case after federal life sentence
MINNEAPOLIS — Vance Boelter will make his first appearance in Hennepin County District Court on Monday afternoon, less than two weeks after he was sentenced to consecutive life sentences, plus 40 years in federal prison for killing state Rep. Melissa…
Vance Boelter to make first appearance in state murder case after federal life sentence
Vance Boelter, who already pleaded guilty to federal charges, appears in Hennepin County District Court to answer to state charges for killing Melissa and Mark Hortman.
Vance Boelter due in court Monday for first appearance on state charges
The man serving life in federal prison for killing former DFL House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark is due in Hennepin County court Monday afternoon to make his first appearance on state charges. Meanwhile, small business owners in northeastern Minnesota told their state legislators that the wildfires are having a “disastrous” impact on their bottom lines.
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