Notepad Evidence Emerges: Surprising Twists in Minnesota Assassin Trial
Meticulous Planning Revealed in Court Evidence
Vance Luther Boelter, facing both state and federal charges for the murder of Minnesota House Democrat Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, appeared in federal court claiming he couldn’t afford a lawyer despite owning significant assets. The 57-year-old’s notepad revealed chilling details of his alleged assassination plot targeting Democratic lawmakers and abortion providers, contradicting his poverty claims.
Acting US Attorney for Minnesota Joseph Thompson stated during a news conference, “Boelter planned his attack carefully. He researched his victims and their families, used the internet and other tools to find their addresses and names, the names of their family members, conducted surveillance of their homes, and took notes of the location of the homes.”
Claims of Poverty Contradict Asset Holdings
Despite claiming financial hardship in court, Boelter admitted to having between $20,000 and $30,000 in bank accounts. Property records further reveal he owns a house and seven vehicles, prompting the judge to request the federal public defender’s office investigate his financial situation.
Boelter claimed to earn approximately $540 weekly from a part-time job, though details about his employment remain unclear. His reported history includes claims of founding a private security firm, which a friend dismissed as “just some fantasy,” adding another layer of inconsistency to his court statements.
Investigators discovered Boelter had a list of 45 potential targets, including prominent Democrats like US Senator Amy Klobuchar and Representative Ilhan Omar. Federal prosecutors have described the crimes as “extremely serious,” requesting Boelter remain in custody without bail as he faces potential execution if convicted on federal murder or terrorism charges.
Boelter allegedly used sophisticated tactics, including wearing a silicone mask and police gear while announcing “This is the police. Open the door” to gain entry to his victims’ homes. He was captured following a two-day manhunt, during which authorities found him heavily armed and in possession of a letter to the FBI admitting to the shootings.
Boelter’s next federal court appearance is scheduled for June 27, while he simultaneously faces state charges with bail set at $5 million. The federal public defender’s office continues investigating his financial situation to determine his eligibility for court-appointed representation, adding another dimension to this developing case.
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