BLACKDUCK, MN – In a grim turn of events in the small town of Blackduck, a woman faces multiple charges related to the deaths of her two children. The incident, which left the local community in shock, involved a fire allegedly set by the woman, who then fled the scene with another child.
Authorities have identified the suspect as 35-year-old Jennifer Marie Stately, who now faces charges including premeditated murder, arson, and child neglect. The announcement came from U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger, who described the crimes as heinous, underscoring the tragedy experienced by the Red Lake County community.
The events leading to Stately’s arrest began with a distressing 911 call reporting a fire on March 15. When firefighters arrived a horrifying scene unfolded. Two children, aged 6 and 5, were found dead, one victim of a stabbing and the other of smoke inhalation. The rapid response of law enforcement soon triggered an Amber Alert for a third child, a toddler, who was later found with Stately and exhibited signs of neglect.
Stately, who stands accused of these egregious crimes against her own sons, Remi and Tristan Stately, and her third child, was apprehended with the help of an alert motorist. The indictment specifies each charge, reflecting the gravity of the incident and the serious legal consequences Stately now faces.
The indictment has revealed that the deceased children shared their early years in Blackduck, attending local schools and being part of a tight-knit community that has since been rocked by the tragedy. A vigil, detailed in local media, was held in their honor—a poignant moment at Red Lake School that brought together schoolmates and community members alike to mourn the loss of the two young lives.
In the face of these charges, Stately’s defense, led by attorney Paul Engh, insists on a basis for a not-guilty plea, though specific details were withheld. The case highlights the coordinated efforts of federal, state, and tribal law enforcement agencies, with FBI Special Agent Alvin M. Winston Sr. expressing a firm commitment to justice and support for the victims and their community.
While the legal process unfolds, Stately remains in custody, with the Red Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
