DETROIT LAKES, Minn. – The trial for Minnesota State Senator Nicole Mitchell began this week, as she faces serious charges related to a break-in at her stepmother’s home in April 2024.
Mitchell, a member of the state’s Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) party, is charged with first-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools in Becker County. The incident occurred around 4:30 a.m., and police say she broke into the home of her 74-year-old stepmother.
In a statement posted shortly after the event, Mitchell said she went to the house to check on her stepmother and accidentally startled her. However, court documents paint a different picture. They state that Mitchell was dressed entirely in black, carried a flashlight with a black sock over it, and was found lying near her stepmother’s bed when the older woman tripped over her. Mitchell reportedly told police she was trying to collect some of her late father’s belongings, including his ashes.
Opening Statements Begin
During Tuesday’s opening statements, both sides briefly laid out their arguments for the jury.
Prosecutor Brian McDonald told the jurors to focus on the evidence and trust their own judgment. “Grief and frustration do not justify burglary,” he said. “Use your common sense and believe what you see and hear on the body camera videos. Don’t get distracted.”
Mitchell’s attorney, Bruce Ringstrom Jr., did not deny that she entered the house without permission but argued that this alone does not prove burglary. He said Mitchell was concerned about her stepmother, who suffers from Alzheimer’s, and went to check on her well-being.
“For someone to be guilty of burglary, they must enter without permission and intend to commit a crime inside,” Ringstrom explained. “If the state cannot prove that Mitchell entered the home with criminal intent, then the jury must find her not guilty.”
First Witnesses Testify
The first witness to testify was dispatcher Joseph Robbins, who answered the 911 call placed by Carol Mitchell, the senator’s stepmother. Robbins said Carol believed a man had broken into her home and was standing at the foot of her bed.
Next to take the stand was Officer Joseph Sternhagen of the Detroit Lakes Police Department. He was among the first officers to respond to the call. His body camera footage was shown in court, giving jurors a look at the scene as it unfolded.
Key Evidence and Questions Ahead
The main issue in this case is whether Mitchell intended to commit a crime when she entered the home. Her defense argues that she was simply concerned about her stepmother’s safety and that she did not go there to steal or cause harm. The prosecution, however, points to Mitchell’s clothing, her use of a covered flashlight, and the early hour as signs that her actions were planned.
The trial is expected to continue with more witness testimony and examination of evidence, including body camera footage and statements made by Mitchell and her stepmother.
Senator Mitchell has not spoken publicly since her initial statement on social media. The outcome of this trial could have significant consequences for her political career and personal life.
As the case unfolds, jurors will need to decide whether Mitchell’s actions were the result of concern and grief — or if they crossed the line into criminal behavior.
