Prosecution, Defense Give Opening Statements in Senator Mitchell’s Trial

(Detroit Lakes, MN) — The burglary trial of Senator Nicole Mitchell of Woodbury got underway this morning (Tues) with opening statements. Becker County Attorney Brian McDonald said Mitchell broke into her stepmother’s home in Detroit Lakes through a basement window using a crowbar and was dressed in all black in April of 2024. He told the jury, “This case will be about what the defendant did, what she admitted to, and what you will see and hear with your own eyes and ears.” Defense Attorney Bruce Ringstrom says Mitchell was checking on her stepmother and had to go in through the window so she didn’t startle her due to her worsening Alzheimer’s disease. She has pleaded not guilty to first-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools.