Jennifer Stately: Minnesota mom abducts son, 3, after killing 2 other children and setting house on fire
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RED LAKE, MINNESOTA: An indictment released on Monday, May 6, claims that a woman killed two children in northern Minnesota, set a house on fire, and fled with a third child.
Jennifer Marie Stately, 35, was charged with felony child neglect, arson, murder while committing child abuse, and premeditated murder.
Identity of Jennifer Stately's children released
In an email to The Associated Press, Stately's lawyer Paul Engh stated that there is a "firm basis" for a not-guilty plea, but he did not provide further details.
The Minneapolis Star-Tribune released the identity of Stately's deceased children as Tristan Stately, 5, and Remi Stately, 6.
According to the indictment, Stately set fire to the house after using a knife to attack the children on March 15 at the Red Lake Indian Reservation. She then fled with the third child.
Her three-year-old son was the third child, according to Star Tribune. A stab wound claimed the life of one of the children.
According to the indictment and a press release from US Attorney Andrew M Luger, the other child died from smoke inhalation from the fire.
Jennifer Marie Stately restricted toddler's access to food, medical attention
An Amber Alert was issued shortly after the fire was reported. After about an hour, a driver saw a car that matched the description of the suspect and called the police.
When Todd County deputies stopped Stately, they found the surviving child, who had "visible signs of child neglect", according to a news release from Luger's office.
According to the indictment, Stately restricted the toddler's access to food, clothing, housing, medical attention, and supervision from December 28, 2023, until the day of his kidnapping and the fatal fire, Star Tribune reported.
Following Stately's court appearance, a jail order was issued and additional court proceedings were scheduled.
The case demonstrated the value of Amber alerts, according to Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans.
"We are grateful to the Minnesotan who acted quickly and bravely in this case, and to all Minnesotans who join in the search when a child needs them most," Evans said in the news release.
Remi and Tristan were 'smart' and 'protector of brothers'
In the week following their deaths, Remi and Tristan's school and community held vigils and ceremonies to honor their memory. According to Superintendent Tim Lutz, the brothers were enrolled in Head Start and first grade.
Brian Graves Jr and Jennifer Stately were the parents of both boys. Remi was a "smart, funny, loving little boy" who enjoyed playing with his brothers, according to his obituary.
According to Tristan's obituary, he was an extroverted and lively young boy who "was the protector of his brothers, even though he was the middle child."
