The man serving two life terms plus 40 years after pleading guilty to federal charges related to killing a top Democratic lawmaker and her husband made his initial appearance Monday in state court where he faces similar charges.
The state case against Vance Boelter had been on hold pending resolution of the federal case.
Monday's procedural state court hearing came less than two weeks after Boelter's sentencing in federal court. He pleaded guilty to the federal charges related to the killing of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, as well as critically wounding state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.
Before the proceedings ended, Boelter spoke, asking the judge questions.
"It's very rare that a defendant will just start talking to a judge," explains Twin Cities defense attorney Joe Tamburino who is not affiliated with the case. "It's completely not advisable to do for any defendant. You always should go through your attorney. However, it's up to the defendant. I mean, it's his case, he has rights. He could say, 'I want to talk to the judge,' even if his court appointed attorney says don't do it. They're advising not to do it."
Boelter, 59, agreed to plead guilty to the federal charges in June, almost a year after the Minneapolis-area attacks, so federal prosecutors would not seek the death penalty.
If convicted of the state charges, Boelter could face mandatory life in prison without the possibility of parole. Minnesota abolished capital punishment in 1911 and has never had a federal death penalty case.
State prosecutors want Boelter to be moved to Hennepin County jail, while his public defender wants him to remain in Sherburne County.
"Right now, really, the state court judge can't do anything about because he's in federal custody," adds Tamburino. "Technically, the Bureau of Prisons has authority over him. So if the federal authorities say he's staying in Sherburne County or wherever, that's where he's going to stay. They have primary jurisdiction."
In state court, Boelter faces two counts of murder for killing the Hortmans, four counts of attempted murder, impersonating a police officer and animal cruelty. The Hortman family’s golden retriever was gravely injured in the shootings and had to be euthanized.
Hoffman and his family also filed a personal injury lawsuit against Boelter in April.
Boelter's next state court appearance is set for Sept. 2.
