Big Lake man found guilty of killing his mother in 2020

Eric Jordahl, 26, convicted of first- and second-degree murder, faces mental illness defense hearing

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:59pm

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An extreme close-up of a bloodied knife, the harsh flash creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the violence of this crime.A violent crime scene exposes the tragic consequences of untreated mental illness.Big Lake Today

A Sherburne County judge has found Eric Jordahl, 26, of Big Lake, Minnesota, guilty of first-degree premeditated murder and two counts of second-degree murder in the 2020 stabbing death of his mother, Rosalie Johnson, 62, a Big Lake City Council member. Jordahl will have a hearing on April 13 when the judge will rule on his defense of not guilty due to mental illness.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex legal issues surrounding mental illness defenses in violent crimes, as well as the impact on local communities when an elected official is the victim of a family tragedy.

The details

According to court documents, Jordahl admitted to punching, stabbing, and biting his mother upon entering her bedroom on the night of July 22, 2020. A medical examiner determined that Johnson suffered both sharp and blunt force trauma to her head and body. Jordahl's criminal case has had several delays after a court found him incompetent to stand trial in 2021, but he was later found competent in 2024.

  • In July 2020, Johnson was found dead at her Big Lake residence.
  • In 2021, a court found Jordahl incompetent to stand trial.
  • In 2024, Jordahl was found competent to stand trial.
  • On April 7, 2026, a judge found Jordahl guilty of first-degree premeditated murder and two counts of second-degree murder.
  • On April 13, 2026, Jordahl will have a hearing where a judge will rule on his defense of not guilty due to mental illness.

The players

Eric Jordahl

A 26-year-old man from Big Lake, Minnesota, who was found guilty of first-degree premeditated murder and two counts of second-degree murder in the 2020 stabbing death of his mother, Rosalie Johnson.

Rosalie Johnson

A 62-year-old Big Lake City Council member who was killed by her son, Eric Jordahl, in 2020.

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What’s next

On April 13, 2026, a judge will rule on Jordahl's defense of not guilty due to mental illness.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for better mental health resources and support systems to prevent such violent family crimes, as well as the complex legal issues surrounding mental illness defenses in the justice system.