Man Convicted of Killing Lawmaker Faces New State Charges
Vance Boelter, who is already serving two life sentences plus an additional 40 years for federal charges, recently appeared in state court regarding similar accusations. His case, which had been postponed pending the conclusion of federal proceedings, involves the murder of a leading Democratic legislator and her spouse.
Boelter’s state court hearing occurred just weeks after his federal sentencing, where he confessed to charges stemming from the murder of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. The incident also left state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, critically injured. More details about the case can be found here.
In June, Boelter, 59, agreed to plead guilty to federal charges to avoid the death penalty, which federal prosecutors had considered pursuing. The plea came nearly a year after the attacks in the Minneapolis area. Click here for more information.
During the state court hearing, Boelter claimed he met with Minnesota elected officials in Washington, D.C., over the past eight years, including U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar. However, Klobuchar refuted this in a statement, saying, “We have found no record of my ever meeting or speaking with this murderer who will be spending the rest of his life in prison.” She further stated, “This is the second time he has falsely brought me into his tormented web and no one should be giving him more attention.”
Boelter questioned the judge about whether Sen. Klobuchar could be called to testify, asking, “Does this court have the authority to bring her in to testify? Or is she above the law?”
Boelter also expressed grievances over alleged violations of his rights during his 14 months in federal custody. The judge informed him that such arguments should be presented by his attorney in future proceedings.
If convicted on state charges, Boelter faces life imprisonment without parole. Minnesota abolished the death penalty in 1911, and the state has never pursued a federal death penalty case.
The charges against Boelter in state court include two counts of murder for the deaths of the Hortmans, four counts of attempted murder, impersonating a law enforcement officer, and animal cruelty. The Hortman family’s golden retriever was severely injured in the incident and had to be euthanized, with more details available here.
Additionally, Hoffman and his family have filed a personal injury lawsuit against Boelter. The next hearing in the state case is scheduled for September 2.
