Death Penalty Off the Table as Vance Boelter Pleads Guilty in the Murders of Melissa Hortman and Her Husband

MINNEAPOLIS — Vance Boelter returned to federal court Thursday and admitted guilt in the killings of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, ending months of legal maneuvering in one of the state's most shocking deadly rampages.

Loved ones, survivors and attorneys watched as Boelter abandoned the not guilty plea he entered last year. According to Reuters, the 58 year old agreed to plead guilty to federal murder, stalking and firearms charges after prosecutors removed the possibility of a death sentence from consideration.

Boelter also admitted responsibility for the shootings that seriously wounded state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman. Federal prosecutors said the agreement calls for two consecutive life sentences plus an additional 40 years behind bars, ensuring he will never be released from prison.

Hearing testimony described a night that began with attacks at the Hoffmans' home before shifting to the Hortman residence. Prosecutors say Boelter disguised himself as a police officer, used a vehicle made to resemble a squad car and carried out a plan that targeted elected Democrats across multiple locations.

Among the items recovered was a list containing dozens of names connected to public office and abortion rights advocacy. Authorities later described the search for Boelter as the largest manhunt in Minnesota history before officers finally took him into custody near his property.

The plea agreement resolves the federal prosecution but does not erase separate state level charges still pending against Boelter. Minnesota prosecutors retain the ability to advance those allegations while families affected by the shootings continue following the remaining legal process.

Melissa Hortman's death sent shock waves through the Capitol and beyond. Nearly a year later, the guilty plea closes one chapter of the story, but proceedings tied to the attacks are expected to continue as additional hearings and court dates remain ahead.