Golden Valley Attorney Gives Perspective on Vance Boelter Charges
Vance Boelter, who is accused of fatally shooting Rep. Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park) and her husband Mark in their home, is behind bars in federal custody.
Now, as the investigations in to his actions continue, he faces charges in both state and federal court.
At the federal level, he faces six charges for stalking and murder. However, at this point, federal prosecutors have not brought terrorism charges against Boelter.
Mike Bryant, an trial lawyer with Bradshaw & Bryant in Golden Valley, said more charges could potentially be added to the case as investigations progress. However, it’s unclear if there’s an appetite to bring terrorism charges in this specific case.
“Whether or not there’s political involvement here in a decision being made, you know, are they acting under some sort of political belief, so that’s what raises it to the level of a terrorist attack — if you’re using it for political attack,” he said.
In the state courts, Boelter faces second-degree murder and attempted murder charges.
In a press release, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said she moved quickly to file those charges and keep Boelter in custody.
Her office plans to ask a grand jury to bring first-degree murder charges against Boelter in the future. A first-degree murder conviction can mean a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Bryant says federal prosecutors could either take complete control of the case, or they may let the state’s case play out first.
As part of Boelter’s federal charges, he could face capital punishment. The state of Minnesota abolished capital punishment in 1911.
“When you have federal involved, you have questions on whether or not you’re actually going to have the death penalty involved,” Bryant said. “That’s something they can do federally which you can’t do in the state. So it depends on what charges go forward and it also depends on if they’re going to cooperate at all.”
Boelter’s next federal court date is scheduled for June 27.
See also: Police Report Break-In at Late Representative Hortman’s Home
