Minnesota Pilot's Wife Sentenced for Cousin's Murder During Drunken Tirade

Jennifer Lieber shot and killed her cousin-turned-lover David Nanovic inside her $1.7 million mansion during a late-night alcohol-fueled confrontation.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:27am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single handgun shell casing, capturing the stark, gritty details of the crime scene evidence.A single shell casing from the fatal shooting that ended a cousin's life and shattered a family.Credit River Today

Jennifer Lynn Lieber, the estranged wife of a Delta Airlines pilot, was sentenced to 25.5 years in prison for the second-degree murder of her cousin-turned-live-in boyfriend David J. Nanovic. The incident occurred in March 2024 at Lieber's $1.7 million home in Credit River, Minnesota, where Lieber fatally shot Nanovic during a drunken tirade after the two had been drinking beer and brandy together.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of domestic violence and the tragic consequences that can occur when alcohol and firearms are involved. It also raises questions about the dynamics of intimate relationships between family members and the potential for abuse of power within those dynamics.

The details

According to court records, Lieber, who was 45 at the time, became agitated while drinking with Nanovic and his 10-year-old son. She grabbed a handgun and threatened to kill herself and them, leading Nanovic and his son to flee to the pool house where they were staying. Lieber's sons later called her estranged husband, a Delta pilot, who then called 911. Police arrived to find Lieber outside her home, sobbing and claiming she "really f--ked up." They found Nanovic's body at the bottom of the basement stairs, having been shot in the forehead at close range. Lieber told police she had kicked the gun out of Nanovic's hands during a confrontation and it went off, striking him.

  • On March 4, 2024, the incident occurred at Lieber's home in Credit River, Minnesota.
  • On January 30, 2026, Lieber was convicted of second-degree murder following a two-week trial.
  • On April 11, 2026, Lieber was sentenced to 25.5 years in prison.

The players

Jennifer Lynn Lieber

The 45-year-old estranged wife of a Delta Airlines pilot who was convicted of second-degree murder for fatally shooting her cousin-turned-live-in boyfriend David Nanovic inside her $1.7 million Minnesota mansion.

David J. Nanovic

Lieber's cousin who was staying in her pool house with his 10-year-old son. Nanovic had a romantic relationship with Lieber and was fatally shot by her during a drunken tirade.

Stuart Lieber

Jennifer Lieber's soon-to-be-ex-husband, who is a pilot for Delta Airlines and called 911 requesting a wellness check on his wife after their sons said she was "not acting normal."

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What they’re saying

“I loved him.”

— Jennifer Lynn Lieber

“The successful prosecution of this case reflects the commitment of our investigators and our partnership with the Scott County Attorney's Office to seek justice for victims of violent crime. Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of David Nanovic as they continue to navigate this loss.”

— Sheriff Luke Hennen

“This was a tragic and preventable act of violence. We are grateful for the work of law enforcement and the jury in holding the defendant accountable. While today's sentencing cannot undo the harm caused, we hope it brings some measure of justice to the victim's family.”

— Scott County Attorney Ron Hocevar

What’s next

Lieber will serve over 16 years in prison before serving the remainder of her 25.5-year sentence on supervised release. She will be credited with 232 days of time served.

The takeaway

This case highlights the devastating consequences that can occur when domestic violence, alcohol abuse, and access to firearms intersect. It underscores the need for greater awareness, intervention, and support services to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future.