Recent content from Jeff Day
No verdict after first day of jury deliberation in Derrick Thompson murder trial for crash that killed 5
At closing arguments Thursday, attorneys for the state said this was a clear case of third-degree murder. Thompson's attorney said the state failed to meet its burden and police investigators lied on the witness stand.
In surprise testimony, brother says Derrick Thompson was driving in crash that killed 5 Somali women
There was no indication Damarco Thompson would appear at trial until the state produced him Wednesday. He was the last witness called ahead of closing statements Thursday.
Court: Lawsuit against 3M for firing pregnant employee can move forward
Samantha Wakasugi was fired one month before giving birth to a baby girl; she alleges the company made that decision because it was convenient.
At Day 3 of Derrick John Thompson trial, the intertwined fates of a vicious car crash
Surveillance video showed the mundane, slow ticking moments that led to an instantaneous explosion and the death of five young women.
Sister testifies of heartbreak after Minneapolis car crash that killed 5 young women
The bulk of Friday was spent examining the immediate aftermath of the car crash that killed five young Somali women. It ended with testimony that showed the endless lasting impact.
Head of violence interruption program in Twin Cities charged with stealing $150,000 in employee wages
Bishop Harding Smith was charged in Hennepin County District Court on Thursday with two felonies: theft by swindle and wage theft.
Derrick Thompson trial underway in crash that killed 5 Somali women; defense hints at other driver
Opening arguments were heard and two witnesses testified as Thompson's trial got under way. He's charged with 15 felonies, including five counts of third-degree murder.
Leader of Twin Cities religious nonprofit charged with possessing child pornography
Drew Michael Brooks, who runs Faith Partners in St. Paul, said he is "not necessarily" sexually attracted to children, according to criminal charges.
Supreme Court vacates rulings against Minneapolis police officer accused of blinding man during protests
The Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association claimed a legal victory while attorneys for the shooting victim said it was simply delayed justice.
Lawsuit against Scheels over teen's suicide in Eden Prairie store allowed to proceed to trial
The trial will focus on whether Scheels and its employee were negligent in giving a handgun to a 19-year-old who then ran through the Eden Prairie sporting goods store and shot himself.
Murder charge dropped in case of Twin Cities woman who disappeared from shelter in 2009
Bloomington police and law enforcement from several states have been searching for the remains of April Pease since she was believed kidnapped by her ex-boyfriend, who is now on death row in Texas.
California evidence ruled inadmissible in trial over crash that killed 5 Somali women in Minneapolis
He is charged with several counts of third-degree murder and criminal vehicular homicide.
Twin Cities woman sues Allina Health after wrong organ is removed during surgery
The health care system said in a statement that it is reviewing the medical malpractice lawsuit and intends to 'vigorously defend the care that was provided.'
Claiming there is 'no real plan' to close Stillwater prison, union leaders blast politicians
Labor leaders at the state's second-largest prison said they were not consulted on the plan to shut it down. They argued at the Capitol that this will harm public safety and corrections operations throughout Minnesota.
Minnesota will close Stillwater prison, state's second-largest correctional facility
Staff and inmates have long complained the 111-year-old prison is outdated, but it plays a critical role in Minnesota's prison ecosystem.
Walz, other Minnesota agencies weigh in on rumors Trump will pardon Derek Chauvin
As the fifth anniversary of the death of George Floyd nears, the governor and other public officials are bracing for possibility the president will undo federal convictions.
Minnesota Freedom Fund will no longer pay pretrial bail and bond for jailed defendants
The nonprofit gained national recognition and millions in donations in the wake of the murder of George Floyd, but an email says the nonprofit has learned, "we cannot bail and bond our way out of harmful systems."
Hennepin judge questions lag in charges for immigrant in fatality case highlighted by White House
The undocumented immigrant from Ecuador was charged in early May with vehicular homicide for a crash in August. The Trump White House is asking why he was released from custody days after the crash.
MPD leader to pay $75,000 in attorney fees to 'Fall of Minneapolis' creators after losing lawsuit
A historic First Amendment ruling last month helped in the dismissal of Katie Blackwell's defamation lawsuit against Alpha News and Liz Collin, who questioned her testimony in the trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd.
Driver in Park Tavern crash pleads guilty to two counts of murder, faces up to 30 years in prison
Six days before he was set to go on trial, Steven Frane Bailey pleaded guilty to several felonies on Wednesday.
Charges: 2 teens among 3 who lured drug dealer into deadly trap at Twin Cities riverfront apartments
Two of the defendants have violent criminal histories in their young lives, court records show.
New charges, court hearing from string of fatal shootings last week in Minneapolis
James Duane Ortley made his first appearance on four counts of second-degree murder and remains jailed on $2 million bail. Three men were charged in a separate slaying that took place four blocks away several hours later.
Minnesota Supreme Court: Female breasts are not lewd or inherently sexual and can be exposed in public
In overturning a Court of Appeals decision, the state's high court examined whether or not a woman simply exposing her breasts constitutes conduct of a sexual nature.
Justice Department investigates Hennepin County Attorney's Office over new race policy
U.S. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon posted a letter addressed to Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty on the social media platform X Saturday night.
Charges: Alleged killer in the same car as four murder victims in south Minneapolis shooting
James Duane Ortley stands charged with several counts of second-degree murder after allegedly shooting five acquaintances in the head. He has a lengthy history of criminal violence in Minnesota.
The Minnesota Supreme Court went to high school, and everyone got an education
Twice a year the state's highest court hears oral arguments in front of high school students. On Thursday, a rapt audience at St. Paul Highland Park got a lesson in the legal process.
Moriarty: New charging policy taking race into consideration is necessary, constitutional
The Hennepin County Attorney says the new policy is needed to address unconscious bias.
After decade of resilience, family of U of M student found frozen awarded $6.4 million
Freshman Jake Anderson was alive and suffering severe hypothermia when he was found near the Mississippi River in 2013. First responders failed to provide adequate care for him. Then the lawyer his family hired to sue those first responders failed in his duties.
Former Hennepin County judge reprimanded for pattern of sexual harassment, relationship with clerk
The Minnesota Board on Judicial Standards publicly reprimanded former Judge Jay Quam, who retired in March.
In diverting Tesla vandalism charges, Mary Moriarty again finds herself at the center of a firestorm
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty is being called America's "wokest" county attorney as political pundits blast her handling of a police investigation into the damage of Teslas in Minneapolis.
Eight Minnesotans charged with racketeering after 44 burglaries for pulltab cash netting $200,000
Racketeering charges filed in Hennepin County allege a vast conspiracy to break into bars and restaurants and steal safes filled with cash from charitable gaming.
Charges outline negotiation with armed Hopkins man who threatened to shoot UnitedHealthcare building
An internal memo from UnitedHealth Group on Tuesday directed workers to employee assistance program and access to counseling after the arrest of Ian Stanley Wagner on Monday.
Twin Cities church volunteer charged with sexually assaulting four children has 'lengthy history' of accusations
Joshua Alirio Seeman was working as a volunteer at King of Kings Lutheran Church and School in Roseville.
Defamation lawsuit over 'Fall of Minneapolis' is dismissed in historic First Amendment case
Alpha News reporter Liz Collin said the dismissal of a defamation lawsuit brought by Katie Blackwell, the second highest ranking officer in the Minneapolis Police Department, will set a precedent.
Twin Cities hotel found not at fault for giving key to woman who broke into room, filmed guests
A Minnesota woman was seeking $2 million in damages after another woman broke into her room and filmed her in bed with a man.
Long drama ends as Glen Taylor cedes ownership of Timberwolves and Lynx
Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez will take control, with the finish line in sight.
Lawsuit: Twin Cities pediatrician altered records in shaken baby murder case as part of conspiracy
A federal racketeering lawsuit seeking $10 million stems from murder charge against a Minneapolis day care provider.
How the most important courtroom in Minneapolis churns through an endless stream of violent crime
Courtroom 141 in the Public Safety Facility is a setting of emotional wreckage and bureaucratic ballet, as tensions over conditional release simmer daily.
FBI, U.S. Attorney allege former Sen. Eichorn familiar with soliciting sex; involved wife after arrest
At a hearing for probable cause and detention, an FBI special agent testified about the circumstances before and after the arrest of Justin Eichorn in a prostitution sting.
At 'Nudieland' sentencing, victims wrestle with grief and 'failed' society that creates killers
Several victims of the mass shooting at a DIY music venue in south Minneapolis that killed August Golden spoke about the inherent conflict of processing their grief through the criminal justice system.
Minnesota Court of Appeals rejects voter lawsuit over witness requirement for absentee ballots
An appeals court panel has ruled that Minnesota's witness requirement for absentee voters does not violate the Voting Rights Act or the Civil Rights Act.
Hennepin County attorney investigates credentials of influential forensic expert
The background of Mark Lanterman, the chief technology officer of Computer Forensic Services, is under question. Lanterman says the Attorney's Office is falling for a smear campaign by a rival forensic investigator.
Jury rules father — not Mall of America or Sea Life — negligent for child's fall over escalator
A personal injury trial seeking $14 million in damages asked who bears responsibility after a 6-year-old boy fell over an escalator handrail: the mall and aquarium or his father.
MyPillow CEO Lindell blasts back at AG Ellison, calls charities investigation a 'hit job'
Recent court filings show the Attorney General's Office began investigating three charities associated with MyPillow last year. Lindell said the investigation is politically motivated.
Minneapolis withdraws violence interrupter from consideration for contract after shooting
The Rev. Jerry McAfee's nonprofit was set to get a nearly $650,000 violence prevention contract, despite controversies. Then 70 shots rang out.
Eden Prairie man charged with raping teen while out on bail on charges of soliciting minors for sex
Michael Bruce Gillis is charged with third-degree sexual conduct and his criminal trial in another case is set to start in April.
Minnesota Supreme Court referee: Former Hennepin County Chief Public Defender should be disbarred
Kassius Benson, the former Hennepin County Chief Public Defender, was convicted of felony tax misconduct and was found to have misappropriated thousands of dollars from a client.
Woman charged in attempted Feeding Our Future juror bribe will remain out of custody after DWI
Ladan Ali pleaded guilty in the bribe case after she left a bag of $120,000 in cash at a juror's home. On Tuesday, she was given new conditions of her release before her sentencing.
Trump says he hasn't considered Chauvin pardon in Floyd's murder
Trump adviser Elon Musk recently posted on X that a federal pardon for Derek Chauvin was "something to think about."
Minneapolis attorney moves to dismiss client's charges, saying her drug inquiry is 'smear campaign'
In filing a motion to dismiss murder charges against her client, attorney Sarah Gad alleges the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office targeted her with baseless drug searches.
Despite agreeing that man should be freed from life sentence, Hennepin County judge blasts law allowing it
Judge Paul Scoggin agreed convicted murderer Jerome Nunn deserved freedom, but criticized what he sees as shortsighted legislation.
Parole board denies release for Rocori school shooter, accomplice in vicious Minneapolis murder
Jason McLaughlin and Brian Flowers were juveniles when they were sentenced to life in prison for murder. Under a new Minnesota law, they had their cases considered by a newly established parole eligibility board.
Minnesota Supreme Court: Schools can be held liable for hiring decisions after sexual assault case
Best Academy's decision to hire Aaron Hjermstad is at the center of a lawsuit involving allegations of sexual assault of students.
Judge allows DHS to halt Medicaid payments to addiction treatment provider Nuway amid fraud concerns
Federal and state investigators are looking into potential fraud in the nonprofit's program that provides treatment and helps cover clients' housing costs.
Guilty plea: Bloomington man faces 25-year prison sentence in Edina shooting that left one dead
Kayvon Julian-Breaun Madison pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the shooting death of Darien Roberson.
After Minnesota Supreme Court rules a person's car can be a public place, what's the legal fallout?
The court's opinion was targeted at a specific state statute. Legal experts say that doesn't mean the definition can't have wide-ranging impact.
Minnesota Supreme Court: Vehicle interior is a 'public place' if driven on public roads
The case of a BB gun under a driver's seat led the courts to consider whether the interior of a privately owned vehicle is a public place when driven on public property.
After second review, prosecutors will not charge federal task force members who killed Winston Smith
An investigation into the U.S. Marshals task force that shot and killed Smith was reopened after state investigators took more than three years to extract and share a cell phone video that captured the shooting.
What's next for the Wolves now that Lore, Rodriguez prevailed in arbitration?
We'll try to answer your questions related to the next steps under an impending Marc Lore-Alex Rodriguez ownership of the Wolves. Maybe we'll even calm your nerves a bit in the process. Probably not, though.
In Wolves-Lynx ownership dispute, arbitration panel rules for Lore, Rodriguez over Taylor
A three-member arbitration panel ruled that longtime owner Glen Taylor did not have the right to cancel a pending sale of 40% of his ownership stake last year.
Charges: 21-year-old driving 106 mph in Minneapolis fled scene after crash killed passenger
Ke'Juan Myantheny Gray-Pierce is charged with two counts of criminal vehicular manslaughter
Packed courtroom listens as Alpha News seeks dismissal of defamation lawsuit brought by Minneapolis police officer
Judge Edward Wahl was deeply inquisitive throughout the nearly three-hour hearing on a request to dismiss a defamation lawsuit under a new legislative act in Minnesota.
Who owns the water rights on Lake Minnetonka? In Orono legal battle, everyone is up for a fight.
The ownership of riparian rights has pitted a Wayzata real estate agent against several power players in Orono, including the former mayor. A petition has been filed asking the Minnesota Supreme Court to hear the case.
Trial date set for driver accused of driving drunk, killing two in Park Tavern crash in St. Louis Park
Steven Frane Bailey, who is out of custody after posting $500,000 bail, was also ordered to stay three blocks away from the Park Tavern while awaiting trial.
Arbitration ruling to determine who owns the Timberwolves and Lynx coming Friday or Monday
A three-member arbitration panel heard arguments from attorneys for Glen Taylor and attorneys for Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez three months ago.
Lawsuit alleges Red Cow served meat tainted with E. coli that left three Minnesotans hospitalized
The civil lawsuit alleges that Red Cow and its meat distributor, Wolverine Packing Co., were negligent in their processing and cooking of ground beef
Minnesota courts on notice as Laken Riley Act, targeted ICE enforcements go into effect
More aggressive law enforcement policies toward undocumented immigrants are taking shape under President Donald Trump, legal experts explain how it might impact court cases in Minnesota.
Ahead of Feeding Our Future trial next week, two brothers enter surprise guilty pleas
Abdulkadir Nur Salah and Abdi Nur Salah pleaded guilty Tuesday ahead of next week's trial.
Charges: Minneapolis woman intentionally set apartment fire that killed two last summer
Deonna Presbury is charged with two counts of second-degree murder in the Minneapolis apartment fire last summer.
Hennepin County Attorney's Office aims for faster reviews of law enforcement cases
A conversation between County Attorney Mary Moriarty and a Brooklyn Park police officer helped lead to a new policy for reviewing police cases.
Charges: 16-year-old and an accomplice killed drug dealer in Robbinsdale for his gun
The Hennepin County Attorney's Office charged a juvenile from Coon Rapids with second-degree murder. A second suspect in the killing has not been charged yet.
Minnesota police association sues POST Board for releasing IDs of 'at least' 257 undercover officers
A data request of employment history of Minnesota police officers led to the release of private data on undercover law enforcement, according to the lawsuit.
Civil lawsuit brought by family of Ricky Cobb II against Minnesota state trooper dismissed
State trooper Brett Seide had been sued for unreasonable seizure and use of excessive force stemming from the 2023 traffic stop.
Charge: Missing Brooklyn Park shooter who accidentally killed friend is international flight risk
Anwar Hussein Mohamed was charged with second-degree manslaughter in the shooting death of his friend, Nebil Ahmed Omer.
Lawyers: Scheels not culpable for giving unloaded gun to man who shot himself in Eden Prairie store
The gun was able to receive ammo when Jordan Markie, 19, took it, ran through the Eden Prairie sporting goods store and shot himself.
