Minnesota Mother Found Guilty of Murdering Her 2 Children and Arson

Jennifer Marie Stately, 37, convicted of first-degree murder and arson after setting home on fire with kids inside

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Jennifer Marie Stately, 37, has been found guilty of murdering her two young sons, Remi and Tristan Stately, ages 6 and 5, and setting their home on fire before fleeing with her 3-year-old child. Stately attacked the two older children with a knife, killing one and causing the other to die from smoke inhalation. She then set three separate fires in the home using gasoline and lighter fluid before leaving with her 3-year-old, who was found covered in wounds and suffering from neglect.

Why it matters

This case highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence and child abuse, as well as the need for stronger mental health resources and support systems to prevent such tragedies. The Red Lake community has been deeply impacted by the loss of these two young lives.

The details

Authorities say Stately used gasoline and lighter fluid to ignite three separate fires in the home, including at both exit points, trapping the children inside. One child died from knife wounds to the chest, while the other passed away from smoke inhalation. After fleeing the scene, Stately was found with her 3-year-old son, who was covered in wounds and showing signs of neglect.

  • On March 15, 2024, Stately murdered her two children and set their home on fire in Minnesota.
  • On May 6, Stately was found with her 3-year-old son, who was covered in wounds and suffering from neglect.

The players

Jennifer Marie Stately

A 37-year-old Minnesota mother who was found guilty of murdering her two young sons and setting their home on fire before fleeing with her 3-year-old child.

Remi Stately

Stately's 6-year-old son who was murdered by his mother.

Tristan Stately

Stately's 5-year-old son who died from smoke inhalation after his mother set their home on fire.

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What they’re saying

“We all witnessed the devastating aftermath of Jennifer Stately's horrific and unthinkable actions that night. We hope that holding her accountable for her crimes will provide some sense of justice for the family and the entire Red Lake community who are forever impacted by the loss of these two young boys.”

— Drew Evans, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent (Press Release)

“The FBI is honored to have partnered with federal, state and tribal law enforcement partners to bring justice to these young victims who had no chance at survival while in the care of the one person who should have kept them safe.”

— Rick Evanchec, Interim Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Minneapolis Field Office (Press Release)

What’s next

Stately will be sentenced for her crimes at a later date, where she faces a lengthy prison term.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the critical need for greater mental health resources, domestic violence prevention, and child welfare support systems to protect vulnerable families and prevent such devastating outcomes in the future.