A Minnesota judge sentenced 59-year-old Vance Boelter to two consecutive life terms plus 40 years in prison on Thursday. The sentencing followed Boelter's guilty plea in the shooting deaths of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman (D) and her husband, Mark Hortman.
The incident occurred in June 2025. Boelter was arrested shortly after the fatal shootings and later entered a plea agreement regarding the charges. The court ordered the life sentences to be served consecutively, ensuring Boelter will remain in custody for the remainder of his life.
Melissa Hortman served as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2005 until her death, holding the position of Speaker of the House starting in 2019. The court records do not specify a motive for the shooting, and the sentencing concludes the legal proceedings against Boelter.