A Minnesota woman was indicted on Monday, weeks after she allegedly set fire to a home before killing her two young sons.
Jennifer Stately, 35, is accused of stabbing Remi and Tristan Stately, ages 6 and 5, at the Red Lake Indian Reservation in Beltrami County. Prosecutors said the arson occurred at the same residence where the March 15 slayings transpired, according to the Des Moines Register.
Jennifer Stately is believed to have stabbed her sons before setting the residence on fire and fleeing with her 3-year-old son. One of the victims was stabbed in the chest while his brother — who was also stabbed — died from smoke inhalation from the arson, the Des Moines Register reported.
The news outlet also reported that an AMBER Alert was issued for the 3-year-old shortly after the murders. Stately was found with her missing son in Todd County after a motorist spotted her vehicle and contacted the authorities.
“Law enforcement located and stopped Stately’s vehicle and recovered Minor C, who was suffering from visible signs of child neglect,” federal authorities said in a statement.
Jennifer Stately is charged with premeditated murder, murder in the course of committing child abuse, murder in the course of committing arson, arson, and child neglect.
According to the Star Tribune, Jennifer Stately is also accused of starving her surviving son from December 28, 2023, to the day of the deadly incident. Authorities also claimed the toddler had wounds — believed to be burns — on 95 percent of his face.
“[He] had a very strong smell of body odor, as if he had not been washed or changed in a few days,” state prosecutors wrote.
“His cheeks were red and the sores appeared to be bleeding. … His feet were full of scabs that appeared to be a mix of old and new wounds. [He] did not seem to want to stand on his feet due to pain.”
The Star Tribune reported that the indictment comes a week after Todd County prosecutors dropped child abuse charges in their jurisdiction so the case could proceed in federal court. The incident occurred at the Red Lake Indian Reservation. Under Public Law 280, cases involving Native Americans in Indian Country move from federal to state court.
Jennifer Stately is facing charges in federal court. The Star Tribune explained that this case involves the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians — which does not fall under Public Law 280 due to treaty stipulations.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast. Listen to the latest episode:
[Feature Photo: Facebook]
