Plea Deal Reached in Politically Charged Double Murder Case
Federal prosecutors informed a judge of a plea deal with Vance Boelter, accused of killing a Minnesota lawmaker, Melissa Hortman, and her husband, Mark. This agreement means Boelter will not face the death penalty, which was initially considered.
The Justice Department submitted a letter to the judge detailing a proposed plea agreement. They have requested a hearing for Boelter to change his plea from not guilty. The letter confirmed that the death penalty would not be pursued, though the specific terms of the agreement remain undisclosed.
Boelter faced charges in both federal and state courts for allegedly shooting Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as wounding State Senator John A. Hoffman and his wife. Officials from the Justice Department and Boelter’s legal team did not immediately comment on the development. Judge John R. Tunheim has scheduled a plea change hearing for Thursday morning.
This decision comes after prosecutors concluded Boelter’s underlying stalking charges likely disqualified him from capital punishment eligibility. Typically, the death penalty can be sought in cases of murder involving a firearm. However, legal precedent doubts if stalking meets the criteria for a violent crime. Emily Covington, a Justice Department spokeswoman, affirmed their commitment to accountability in a recent statement.
While Minnesota lacks the death penalty for state crimes, federal prosecutors initially considered it for Boelter. It’s unclear how the federal plea will influence state-level proceedings.
Boelter allegedly attacked Minnesota legislators’ homes last June, disguised as a police officer. This incident initiated a prolonged manhunt and heightened concerns about political violence across the country. Authorities discovered documents in Boelter’s black SUV, camouflaged as a police vehicle, containing numerous political figures’ names.
Melissa Hortman, previously the Minnesota House speaker, was a trained lawyer and 20-year legislator. Her efforts during the 2023 session, when Democrats held a narrow majority, led to expanded abortion rights, marijuana legalization, and mandated employer-provided family leave. Mark Hortman, remembered fondly by friends, was an enthusiastic political supporter with a keen sense of humor.
Mitch Smith is a national correspondent based in Chicago, reporting for The Times on the Midwest and Great Plains.