US Attorney: Boelter case ‘certainly death penalty eligible’ but plea deal was too good to pass up

Vance Boelter will avoid the death penalty for the assassination of Minnesota Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, but isn’t expected to ever be free again.

On Thursday, Boelter, who is also charged in the attack of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, pleaded guilty in federal court. He’s expected to be sentenced to serve two life sentences plus 40 years in prison.

RELATED: Boelter admits key details of lawmaker attacks; expected to serve over 2 life sentences after guilty plea

Boelter still faces state charges, and the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office says it is ready to move forward with its own case.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS reported last weekend that plea negotiations were underway on a ...