Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 10
Vance Boelter Reaches Plea Deal in 2025 Minnesota Lawmaker Killings as Death Penalty Dropped
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 10

Vance Boelter Reaches Plea Deal in 2025 Minnesota Lawmaker Killings as Death Penalty Dropped

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 10

Summary

  • Federal prosecutors told a judge they reached a proposed plea agreement with Vance Boelter and asked for a hearing so he can withdraw his not-guilty plea.
  • The Justice Department said it will not seek the death penalty after concluding the stalking charges underlying the case likely do not qualify him for capital punishment.
  • Boelter is accused of fatally shooting State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and of wounding State Senator John A. Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, in a politically motivated attack last year.
  • The public court filing did not disclose the deal's terms, and neither Boelter's lawyers nor the Justice Department immediately provided further comment.

Insights

Why does a legal technicality prevent the death penalty for a political assassination?
Will millions in new security funding stop the next lone-wolf attacker?
How did the assassin's elaborate police disguise fool everyone for so long?