Red Lake Woman Sentenced to Life for Murdering Two Children
Minneapolis, MN (MinnesotaNow) - A federal judge has sentenced a Minnesota woman to life in prison for murdering her two children.
Convicted of 5 counts of first-degree murder
Thirty-seven-year-old Jennifer Marie Stately was brought to trial in federal court in February and was convicted of five counts of first-degree murder and one count of arson. The Red Lake woman was accused of assaulting two of her children with a knife and fatally stabbing her oldest son before setting the family's home on fire.
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One of the children died in the fire
According to court documents and evidence presented during her trial, investigators determined that Stately used gasoline and lighter fluid to start three separate fires, including fires at both exit points of the family's home. Autopsy results determined that the oldest boy died from stab wounds, while his younger brother succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning while trapped inside the burning house.
“The Red Lake Department of Public Safety would like to say ‘miigwech,’ meaning thank you, to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Long Prairie Police Department, and to all the first responders who played a role in finding justice for the devastating loss of two innocent victims on March 15, 2024.
“A parent’s fundamental obligation is to protect their children when those children cannot protect themselves. The actions and betrayal of the defendant on March 15, 2024, represent a violation of trust and responsibility associated with parenthood. Although no punishment can ever be equal to the lives lost, the sentence reflects the gravity of the crime.
“The memory of our two young community members will forever be in our thoughts and prayers of the Red Lake Nation,” said Director of Red Lake Department of Public Safety Kendall Kingbird Sr.
Statewide Amber Alert issued in the case
The charges against Stately said that she fled the property with a third child, which prompted the issuance of a statewide AMBER Alert. She was later spotted about 150 miles away and was apprehended in Todd County.
During her trial, Stately’s defense attorney unsuccessfully presented an insanity defense in the case.
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Gallery Credit: Nick Cooper
