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Vance Boelter makes first state court appearance to face murder charges following federal conviction

Vance Boelter made his first appearance in Hennepin County court on Monday to face state murder charges following his federal conviction for a series of political attacks. The 59-year-old assassin, who pleaded guilty to federal crimes involving the deaths of Melissa Hortman and Mark Hortman, also faces state charges for killing the Hortmans and attempting to kill state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. During the hearing, Vance Boelter claimed his rights were violated during 14 months of federal custody, citing rapid health deterioration and a lack of access to a pastor. He also requested that Sen. Amy Klobuchar be compelled to testify, though she stated there was no record of her ever meeting him. Judge Juan Hoyos declined to make immediate rulings, keeping the $5 million bail in place. If convicted of the state charges, Vance Boelter faces mandatory life in prison without the possibility of parole. The next hearing is scheduled for September 2.

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