Red Lake (trfnews.i234.me) — A jury found Jennifer Marie Stately guilty on Wednesday, Feb. 25.
Stately, 37, was convicted of six crimes tied to the deaths of two children. Court records say the events happened on the Red Lake Reservation.
Guilty verdicts
Jurors returned guilty verdicts on these counts:
- Two counts of premeditated murder.
- Two counts of murder while committing child abuse.
- One count of arson.
- One count of murder while committing arson.
What prosecutors alleged
An indictment says Stately was home alone with three children on March 15, 2024. Court records say two children died that day.
The indictment says she attacked two children with a knife. One child died from a stab wound, according to court records.
Another child died from smoke inhalation after a fire, the indictment says. Prosecutors allege the fire was set on purpose.
AMBER Alert and arrest
Court records say Stately left the home with a third child. An AMBER Alert was issued that night, around 9 p.m.
Authorities say a tip helped law enforcement find her location. She was then arrested, according to the case documents.
A complaint says the third child was neglected and harmed by a lack of medical care. Court records describe untreated sores and severe dental problems.
Learn about AMBER Alerts in Minnesota here: Minnesota DPS AMBER Alert.
Insanity defense explained
Stately’s attorneys raised an insanity defense during the trial. Jury instructions described a severe mental disease or defect claim.
In simple terms, the defense argued she could not understand her actions. They also argued she could not know the acts were wrong.
The defense had the burden to prove that claim with clear and convincing evidence. Jurors could also consider a “not guilty by reason of insanity” verdict.
Minnesota’s criminal responsibility law is listed here: Minn. Stat. § 611.026.
Trial timeline
Jury selection started Feb. 9, according to the case summary. The trial lasted about seven days, including partial days.
The trial was held in Minneapolis. Prosecutors presented evidence that included jail calls and records.
After the closing arguments, jurors deliberated for about one hour on Wednesday afternoon. They returned guilty verdicts on all counts.
What happens next
The court ordered a presentence investigation report. The report will review the background and risk factors for sentencing.
A sentencing date has not been set. The case will continue in court.
More on Minnesota’s first-degree murder statute is here: Minn. Stat. § 609.185.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
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