Key facts
- Vance Boelter, serving federal sentences for killing former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, appeared in state court.
- Boelter faces state charges including two counts of murder, four counts of attempted murder, impersonating a police officer, and animal cruelty.
- The state case against Boelter was on hold pending the resolution of his federal case.
- Boelter pleaded guilty to federal charges in June to avoid the death penalty.
- If convicted of state charges, Boelter could face mandatory life in prison without parole.
Vance Boelter, who is already serving two life terms plus 40 years after pleading guilty to federal charges, made his initial appearance in state court on Monday. He faces similar charges in the state case, which had been pending the resolution of his federal case.
Boelter pleaded guilty in June to federal charges related to the killings of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the critical wounding of state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. He agreed to the plea to avoid the death penalty, which is not an option in Minnesota.
In state court, Boelter is charged with two counts of murder for the Hortmans' deaths, four counts of attempted murder, impersonating a police officer, and animal cruelty. The Hortmans' dog was also gravely injured and had to be euthanized. John and Yvette Hoffman have also filed a personal injury lawsuit against Boelter.
Boelter's next state court appearance is scheduled for September 2.