Jurors in a downtown Minneapolis federal courtroom were thrown into the darkest details of the case on day one of the murder trial of a Red Lake mother accused of killing two of her young sons. Prosecutors say the trial turns on a brutal attack and a house fire that left two boys dead and led to an AMBER Alert on March 15, 2024, while a third child was later found injured. Defense attorney Paul Engh has told reporters he plans to argue that his client was legally insane, even as prosecutors opened with photos and video from the burned-out home. The mood in the courtroom was heavy as jurors and witnesses confronted the evidence.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rachel Kraker and Garrett Fields called Red Lake fire and police personnel to the stand to walk jurors through the scene and warned that the images would be graphic. In photos shown in court, the two brothers appeared side by side on the floor, covered in blood and soot, prompting several jurors to wipe away tears or avert their eyes. The Star Tribune detailed the courtroom reaction and opening testimony.
Federal prosecutors say Jennifer Marie Stately was indicted on counts that include premeditated murder, murder in the course of child abuse, murder in the course of arson, arson, and felony child neglect tied to the March 15, 2024, incident, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The indictment alleges Stately fled the scene with her youngest son and that a passing motorist later spotted her vehicle. When officers stopped the car, they found the child showing visible signs of neglect. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said the FBI, ATF, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Todd County authorities and tribal police all took part in the investigation. U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota…