Man gets two life sentences for murdering Minnesota legislator and husband

A federal judge has handed down a sentence of two consecutive life terms plus an additional 40 years to Vance Boelter for the brutal 2025 murders of Minnesota state legislator Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman. Boelter, 59, pleaded guilty in June to six charges related to the killings and a subsequent attack that severely injured state senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.

The sentencing on Thursday came nearly a year after Boelter, disguised in tactical gear and a mask, impersonated a police officer to gain access to the Hortman residence in the early morning hours of June 14, 2025. He fatally shot Mark Hortman before entering the home and killing Melissa Hortman as she attempted to flee upstairs.

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The defendant looked me in the eyes and pulled the trigger. The defendant looked at my wife and decided to do the same. My wife and I now live with injuries. We live with our bodies remembering the shots.

Federal judge John R. Tunheim described the sentence as the most severe he has imposed in his career. Before the sentencing, Boelter offered brief apologies to the victims' families. The hearing was marked by emotional testimony from survivors and relatives who detailed how the attack irrevocably altered their lives. John Hoffman recounted the chilling moment Boelter looked him in the eyes before firing, stating, "My wife and I now live with injuries. We live with our bodies remembering the shots." He described the permanent security measures now in place, including steel doors and a ban on mail delivery to their home, due to fear of further attacks.

Yvette Hoffman shared her ongoing psychological therapy and inability to return to work, recalling the horrifying experience of seeing her own blood on a washing machine. "We always have an escape plan now. This is not how people should live," she said. The children of Melissa and Mark Hortman also spoke of their profound loss. Sophie Hortman mentioned the death of the family dog, Gilbert, who was severely injured and later euthanized. Colin Hortman reflected on the absence of his parents at his wedding and his continuing emotional struggles. The investigation indicated Boelter spent months identifying and surveilling his targets, suggesting a premeditated motive amid a climate of increasing political polarization.

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I will never forget when I looked down and saw my blood slowly sliding down that white washing machine as I felt myself sinking into the floor. We always have an escape plan now. This is not how people should live.