Federal prosecutors have informed a judge that they have negotiated a plea deal with Vance Boelter, who faced charges for murdering a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband in a politically motivated incident last year. As part of this agreement, Mr. Boelter will not face the death penalty.
The Justice Department sent a letter to the judge outlining a proposed plea arrangement and requested a court hearing for Mr. Boelter to revise his not guilty plea. However, the specific terms of this agreement remain undisclosed in the public court documents.
Mr. Boelter faced accusations in both federal and state courts for the fatal shootings of State Representative Melissa Hortman, a Democrat, and her husband, Mark. Additionally, he was accused of shooting and injuring State Senator John A. Hoffman, also a Democrat, and his wife, Yvette.
Mr. Boelter’s legal team, along with the Justice Department, did not provide immediate comments. Judge John R. Tunheim has scheduled the plea change hearing for Thursday morning.
The Justice Department decided against advocating for the death penalty after concluding that the underlying stalking charges against Mr. Boelter might not render him eligible for such a punishment. Under federal law, the death penalty can be pursued when a violent crime, such as murder involving a firearm, occurs. However, legal precedents cast doubt on categorizing stalking as a violent crime.
Prosecutors worked hard on this case to make sure he was held accountable to the fullest extent possible,stated Emily Covington, a spokesperson for the Justice Department.
Minnesota state law does not permit the death penalty, but federal prosecutors initially considered it a possibility. It remains uncertain how the federal plea agreement will influence state court proceedings against Mr. Boelter.
According to the accusations, Mr. Boelter went to the residences of Minnesota legislators disguised as a police officer, committing the shootings. The attacks prompted an extensive manhunt and heightened concerns about escalating political violence in the United States.
Documents found in Mr. Boelter’s disguised black SUV, resembling a police vehicle, contained the names of numerous political figures, according to prosecutors.
Melissa Hortman, a former speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, had a legal background and served as a legislator for around two decades. She was instrumental in passing a diverse set of bills during the 2023 session, which saw Democrats in a narrow majority. These bills expanded abortion rights, legalized recreational marijuana, and mandated employers to provide paid family and medical leave.
Mark Hortman, employed by an electrical manufacturing company, was remembered by friends for his enthusiastic and supportive role as a political spouse, his sense of humor, and his interest in sports.
The national correspondent reporting this development is Mitch Smith, based in Chicago, covering the Midwest and Great Plains.