Minnesota Man Convicted in Brutal Killing and Cannibalism of Mother

Eric Leif Jordahl claimed he was possessed by the devil when he murdered his city councilwoman mother in their home.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:34pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a butcher's knife against a pitch-black background, the sole focus of the image creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The brutal murder weapon used in a shocking act of family violence exposes the dark underbelly of mental health struggles.Big Lake Today

Eric Leif Jordahl, 26, was convicted of first-degree murder for brutally killing his mother, Rosalie 'Rose' Johnson, 62, a city councilwoman in Big Lake, Minnesota, and then eating parts of her body. Jordahl attacked his mother in a frenzied late-night assault after she told him to go to bed, punching, stabbing, and biting her. His father found him covered in blood the next morning, and Jordahl told him 'The devil exists, it's in me, and I ate mom.'

Why it matters

This shocking case has shaken the small community of Big Lake, where Johnson was a respected city leader and active community member. It raises disturbing questions about mental health, the prevalence of violence, and the societal impact of such a gruesome crime.

The details

Police found parts of Johnson's body tissue and a butcher's knife on the kitchen table, with hair and body tissue on Jordahl's clothing. Her body was discovered in her bedroom with severe injuries to her face and head. Jordahl was convicted of first-degree murder, which carries an automatic life sentence, though his lawyers were expected to argue he should be found not guilty due to mental illness.

  • On July 23, 2020, Jordahl murdered his mother in their home in Sherburne County, Minnesota.
  • Jordahl's father found him covered in blood the next morning, on July 24, 2020.

The players

Eric Leif Jordahl

A 26-year-old Minnesota man who was convicted of first-degree murder for brutally killing and cannibalizing his mother, Rosalie 'Rose' Johnson.

Rosalie 'Rose' Johnson

A 62-year-old city councilwoman in Big Lake, Minnesota, and the victim of the brutal murder by her son, Eric Leif Jordahl.

Andrew Jordahl

The father of Eric Leif Jordahl, who found his son covered in blood the morning after the murder.

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What they’re saying

“'The devil exists, it's in me, and I ate mom.'”

— Eric Leif Jordahl

What’s next

Jordahl's lawyers are expected to argue in court that he should be found not guilty due to mental illness.

The takeaway

This horrific crime has devastated the close-knit community of Big Lake, raising urgent questions about mental health, violence, and the societal impact of such a gruesome act. The loss of a respected city leader and community member has left a profound impact, underscoring the need for greater understanding and resources to address mental health issues before they escalate to tragedy.