Minnesota lawmaker's killer avoids death sentence in new plea deal: report

Vance Boelter, the suspected assassin who killed former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, has reached a plea agreement with federal prosecutors.

According to The New York Times, "The Justice Department’s letter to the judge described 'a proposed plea agreement' and asked for a hearing in which Mr. Boelter could change his not guilty plea." While the letter did not give details on the nature of the agreement, the letter "said that prosecutors would not seek the death penalty."

Boelter was also accused of shooting state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, who survived the attack.

The assassination of Hortman sparked political fears around the country, including worries that more such killings could happen in an elevated climate of anger.