East Grand Forks (trfnews.i234.me) — Rachel Keturah Boswell of Grand Forks has been sentenced to 86 months in prison. The case involves a fatal fentanyl overdose in East Grand Forks.
What happened
Boswell, 44, pleaded guilty on Nov. 18, 2025. The plea was to third-degree murder by selling a controlled substance. Court records say the sale led to a death.
The victim was a 20-year-old woman. She was found dead in an East Grand Forks apartment on Aug. 19, 2025. Court filings said fentanyl was found on a piece of tinfoil.
Sentence
Sentencing took place Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Polk County District Court. The court ordered an 86-month prison term. That equals a little over seven years.
The court also gave credit for 89 days already served. Boswell asked the court for a furlough. The request was denied.
She is expected to serve her sentence at Minnesota Correctional Facility–Shakopee.
Second case still pending
A second suspect is still in the case. Megan Kelly Thorsen, tied to Bemidji, is charged with third-degree murder. Her Polk County case is still pending.
Court filings say Thorsen is also in Grand Forks County custody on other drug charges.
What court records allege
Court documents describe how the drugs moved. Investigators found calls between the victim and Boswell. Boswell told investigators the victim asked for fentanyl.
Boswell said she bought fentanyl from Thorsen. She said she gave the victim about two “points” of fentanyl. Court papers describe a “point” as about 0.1 gram.
About the charge
Minnesota law allows third-degree murder charges in some overdose deaths. The statute covers selling or giving Schedule I or II drugs. It also requires that the sale caused the death.
The charge can carry up to 25 years in prison. The law is listed here: Minnesota Statute 609.195.
Helpful links
Original reporting on the sentence is here: Grand Forks Herald.
Earlier coverage of the case is here: Valley News Live.
Fentanyl safety information is here: CDC fentanyl overview.
Naloxone guidance is here: CDC naloxone information.
Minnesota overdose prevention resources are here: MN Department of Health.
Help is available 24/7 at SAMHSA’s National Helpline or by calling 1-800-662-HELP.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
Should have been 20