Elk River, Sherburne County (trfnews.i234.me) — Court records describe a late-night party dispute. An Elk River woman now faces two felony charges.
Laura Molina Gifford, 52, is charged with two felony counts of Threats of Violence – Reckless Disregard Risk. The counts cite 609.713.1 and 609.713.3(a)(1), records say. The main statute is Minnesota Statute 609.713. The case alleges she pointed a handgun at people outside her home.
What police allege
A complaint says officers were called around 1:00 a.m. on May 4, 2025. The address was on Island View Drive NW in Elk River. Dispatchers were already speaking with Gifford, the complaint says.
Gifford told dispatch that uninvited teens had arrived at her house party. She read license plates over the phone, the complaint says. She also told the teens she had a firearm.
When officers arrived, they stopped several vehicles leaving the area. Witnesses in multiple cars reported seeing a gun, the complaint says. The driver of a white BMW said the gun was pointed at him. Occupants of a red truck gave similar statements, the complaint says.
One victim, identified as JTM, said the handgun was aimed directly at him. He said he feared he would be shot. Witnesses described the weapon being waved in an unsafe way.
The complaint says Gifford yelled threats during the confrontation. Witnesses said she threatened to kill uninvited guests. The complaint says the dispute involved damage to the lawn.
Statements and follow-up
Officers say Gifford first claimed she only held a cellphone. She also said her firearms were locked in a basement safe.
In June 2025, Gifford’s husband contacted investigators, the complaint says. He said she did have a gun during the argument. He claimed she pointed it into the air. He also said he had to pull her arm down. He then took the gun back inside.
In August 2025, Gifford made similar admissions to a law enforcement officer, the complaint says. Investigators later searched the home and found handguns. The weapons matched witness descriptions, according to the complaint.
What happens next
The case was filed on January 8, 2026, court records show. Gifford was charged by summons. A first appearance is scheduled for March 4, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. The hearing is set before Judge Kristi Stanislawski.
Court location details are posted by the Sherburne County District Court. For general case access, see Access Case Records. For local law enforcement information, see the Elk River Police Department website.
Gifford is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.