Red Lake Woman Charged with Murder, Arson, and Child Neglect

A woman from the Red Lake Indian Reservation has been charged with murder, arson, and child neglect, following the tragic deaths of two young children in a fire on the reservation.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Jennifer Marie Stately, 35, is accused of attacking and killing Minor A and Minor B on March 15, 2024. Court documents claim Stately used a knife or sharp object to slash at the children, then set fire to the residence. Minor A was fatally stabbed in the chest, while Minor B died from smoke inhalation due to the fire.

Stately fled the scene with Minor C, who was later recovered by law enforcement with visible signs of child neglect. An AMBER Alert was issued the following night, and a motorist tipped off police to Stately’s location. She was apprehended and charged with premeditated murder, murder in the course of child abuse, murder in the course of arson, arson, and felony child neglect.

The charges were announced by U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger, who praised the swift cooperation between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and state, federal, and tribal law enforcement agencies. “This tragic case demonstrates the importance of close working relationships between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our state, federal and tribal law enforcement partners,” Luger said.

BCA Superintendent Drew Evans credited the AMBER Alert system for helping to rescue Minor C. “This case is another example of how AMBER Alerts save lives,” Evans said. “They get critical information out quickly to millions of Minnesotans willing to step up to help rescue a child in mortal danger.”

The FBI and other agencies conducted the investigation, which was led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rachel L. Kraker and Garrett S. Fields are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and Stately is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Stately appeared before Magistrate Judge Leo I. Brisbois, who ordered her to remain in custody pending further proceedings. The case is a stark reminder of the importance of child safety and the need for swift action in cases of child neglect and abuse.