Woman Charged with Murder, Arson, and Child Neglect

A Red Lake woman has been charged with murder, arson, and child neglect following the death of two young children on the Red Lake Indian Reservation. According to U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger, Jennifer Marie Stately (35) attacked and killed two people, identified in court documents as Minor A and Minor B, on March 15. 

Officials say Stately slashed at Minor A and Minor B with a knife or other sharp object and then set fire to the residence. Stately fatally stabbed Minor A in the chest. Minor B suffered non-fatal stab wounds but ultimately died from smoke inhalation due to the fire. Stately fled the scene in her vehicle with a third child, identified as Minor C. 

Law enforcement located and stopped Stately’s vehicle and recovered Minor C, who they say was suffering from visible signs of child neglect.

The indictment charges Stately 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. 

Stately will remain in custody pending further proceedings.