Man who killed top lawmaker and her husband makes first state court appearance
Summary
Vance Boelter, who is serving two life sentences plus 40 years for killing former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, made his first appearance in state court on similar charges. He pleaded guilty to federal charges to avoid the death penalty and now faces state charges including murder and attempted murder.Key Facts
- Vance Boelter pleaded guilty in federal court to killing Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and wounding state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife.
- Boelter received two life terms plus 40 years in federal prison.
- He appeared in Minnesota state court for the first time on the same case, now facing state charges.
- The state charges include two counts of murder, four counts of attempted murder, impersonating a police officer, and animal cruelty.
- Minnesota abolished the death penalty in 1911 and has not had a federal death penalty case.
- Boelter’s state court hearing was mostly procedural, with his attorney preparing for future arguments.
- The shootings severely injured the Hortman family’s dog, which had to be put down.
- Boelter’s next state court date is scheduled for September 2, 2026.
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