Plea Deal Reached in Case of Murdered Minnesota Lawmaker

Vance Boelter will not face the death penalty after being accused of killing Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. This resolution follows federal prosecutors’ announcement of a plea deal.

A letter from the Justice Department to a judge outlined the plea agreement, requesting a hearing for Mr. Boelter to change his plea from not guilty. The specific details of the deal were not disclosed in the public court filing.

Mr. Boelter faces charges in both federal and state courts for the fatal shootings of Ms. Hortman, a Democrat, and her husband. He is also accused of injuring State Senator John A. Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, both Democrats.

The legal representatives for Mr. Boelter and the Justice Department did not immediately provide comments when requested. Judge John R. Tunheim scheduled the change of plea hearing for Thursday morning.

Officials reported that prosecutors opted against pursuing the death penalty due to uncertainties about whether stalking, as an underlying charge, qualifies as a violent crime eligible for capital punishment.

According to court precedent, the death penalty can apply in federal cases when a violent crime results in murder involving a firearm. However, doubts exist about whether stalking falls under this category.

Emily Covington, a spokeswoman for the Justice Department, emphasized the effort prosecutors put into holding Mr. Boelter accountable to the fullest extent feasible.

Minnesota does not have a death penalty for state crimes. Initially, federal prosecutors considered capital punishment but later abandoned this possibility. It remains unclear how the federal plea agreement affects Mr. Boelter’s state court case.

Authorities accused Mr. Boelter of disguising himself as a police officer before attacking Minnesota legislators at their homes last June. These attacks led to an extensive manhunt and sparked apprehension regarding rising political violence in the U.S.

Inside Mr. Boelter’s modified police-like vehicle, documents listing many political figures were discovered, according to prosecutors.

Melissa Hortman, a former Speaker of the Minnesota House, was a lawyer and had served as a legislator for approximately two decades. She significantly contributed to passing legislation expanding abortion rights, legalizing recreational marijuana, and requiring paid family leave during the 2023 session under a narrow Democratic majority.

Mark Hortman, employed by an electrical manufacturing firm, was remembered by friends for his good humor and sports enthusiasm, as well as being a supportive political partner.

Mitch Smith, a national correspondent based in Chicago, covers the Midwest and Great Plains for The Times.