Two Minnesota lawmakers who were shot
Share this @internewscast.com

() A court hearing for the man accused of killing a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband has been pushed back after he complained about being sleep-deprived while on suicide watch in jail.

Vance Boelter, 57, was arrested June 15 after he allegedly gunned down former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband at their home at 3:30 am on June 14.

He is also accused of shooting a second lawmaker, Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman, and his wife 90 minutes earlier at their home a few miles away. Hoffman and his wife survived the attack.

Boelter was captured after a two-day manhunt. He appeared in federal court Friday wearing a green, padded suicide prevention cloak that’s known as a “Gumby suit.”

  • Two Minnesota lawmakers who were shot
  • A memorial with flowers, photos and candles at the state Capitol in Minnesota
  • Mugshot of Vance Boelter
  • Surveillance image of a man wearing a police vest and holding a flashlight

The suspect’s defense attorney asked the judge to continue the hearing until next week, insisting her client was too sleep-deprived to communicate with him properly.

She said he’s been held in the “Gumby suit” without any undergarments since being transferred to the jail on June 16.

The defense attorney told the judge that Boelter has been unable to sleep because the lights are on 24 hours a day near his jail cell. She claimed doors slam frequently, and the inmate held in the cell next to him spreads feces on the walls, sending a foul odor into Boelter’s cell.

Boelter also addressed the judge, telling him, “Your honor, I haven’t really slept in about 12 to 14 days. … I’ve never been suicidal and I am not suicidal now.”

His attorney requested that he be taken off suicide watch and moved to segregation. He has yet to enter a plea on murder and attempted murder charges as prosecutors are still working to secure a grand jury indictment.

His court hearing came as Hortman is lying in state at the Minnesota Capitol rotunda ahead of a private funeral on Saturday, which former Vice President Kamala Harris is set to attend.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Denmark Emphasizes Territorial Integrity Following Trump’s Greenland Envoy Appointment

COPENHAGEN – Denmark’s foreign minister emphasized on Monday that the United States,…

Sudan’s Leader Presents Peace Proposal at UN; US Calls for Immediate Humanitarian Ceasefire

TANZANIA – In a bid to quell a devastating conflict that has…

Unraveling Atmospheric Rivers: The Weather Phenomenon Behind Intense Storms

Atmospheric rivers are powerful streams of moisture that traverse the sky, bringing…

Unveiling the Mystery: Banksy’s Latest London Murals Spark Stargazing Fascination

Renowned street artist Banksy has seemingly confirmed that a new mural in…

Watch: Orlando Police Deploy Drones to Nab Rooftop Burglar Post-Heist

ORLANDO, Fla. – A man has been charged after allegedly making off…

Radiothon Triumph: Over $10K Raised in 36 Hours for Isaiah 117 House!

In an inspiring show of community spirit, a dedicated 36-hour radiothon held…

Tri-Cities Residents Eye Record-Breaking $1.6 Billion Powerball Jackpot: Will Luck Strike Here?

In Johnson City, Tennessee, residents are eagerly snapping up Powerball tickets as…

Colorado Risks Losing $24M in Federal Funds Due to Unlawful CDL Practices

DENVER – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s chief issued a stern warning…

From Hula Hoops to Hearing Aids: The Oldest Baby Boomers Set to Turn 80 in 2026, Shaping America’s Aging Demographic

The year 2026 marks a significant milestone as the oldest members of…

Democratic States Unite: Legal Battle Against White House Over Consumer Protection Funding Escalates

NEW YORK – A group of 21 Democratic state attorneys general launched…

Kingsport Families Receive Holiday Meal Boxes from Second Harvest

The Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee opened its doors on…

Urgent Appeal: Melbourne Authorities Seek Public’s Help in Solving Fatal Crash Mystery

MELBOURNE, Fla. – Authorities in Melbourne are currently probing a deadly accident…