DULUTH, Minn. — A 35-year-old woman from Red Lake faces federal charges after the deaths of two small children on the Red Lake reservation earlier this year.
The U.S. Department of Justice charged Jennifer Marie Stately with murder, arson and child neglect for an incident on March 15, 2024, that also triggered an AMBER Alert.
According to court documents, officials allege that Stately attacked two children, referred to as Minor A and Minor B. Stately slashed at the children with a knife or other sharp object then set fire to the home. Minor A was fatally stabbed in the chest, officials said and while Minor B suffered non-fatal stab wounds that child died from smoke inhalation from the burning home.
Stately fled the scene with a third small child in her vehicle and an AMBER Alert was issued around 9 p.m. that night.
Another driver spotted Stately's vehicle, officials said, and contacted police. Law enforcement stopped her vehicle and recovered the third child, who officials said was suffering from "visible signs of child neglect."
Stately is charged with one count of premeditated murder, one count of murder in the course of committing child abuse, one count of murder in the course of committing arson, one count of arson, and one count of felony child neglect.
“This case is another example of how AMBER Alerts save lives. They get critical information out quickly to millions of Minnesotans willing to step up to help rescue a child in mortal danger,” BCA Superintendent Drew Evans said.
Stately appeared in U.S. District Court on Monday and was ordered to remain in custody, pending further proceedings.
“The loss of innocent lives demands swift and decisive action,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “Through seamless collaboration with our state and local counterparts along with the invaluable support of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, we are steadfast in our resolve to pursue justice for the victims. We stand united in seeking closure and healing for the affected family and their community.”
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