Vance Boelter was sentenced Thursday to two consecutive life sentences plus 40 years for killing former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and critically wounding state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.
"This is truly a life sentence," U.S. District Judge John Tunheim told Boelter at the federal courthouse in Minneapolis.
Boelter, 59, pleaded guilty in June to six federal counts. He admitted stalking his targets for months before driving to their homes disguised as a police officer early on June 14, 2025. He also tried to shoot the Hoffmans' daughter, Hope.
In sentencing memos filed Tuesday, prosecutors and Boelter's attorneys both recommended two consecutive life terms plus 40 years. Under the plea agreement, prosecutors agreed not to seek the death penalty. The federal system has no parole.
Federal prosecutors called Boelter's crimes "among the most serious ever committed in the District of Minnesota," adding: "Justice requires that Boelter never be free again."
Boelter addressed the court before he was sentenced. "To every person I have caused loss, pain, heartache, confusion, shame or loneliness, I am truly sorry," he said.
He still faces state charges in Hennepin County, including two counts of first-degree premeditated murder and four counts of attempted first-degree murder.
