Minnesota Woman Accused of Killing Two Children, Setting Home on Fire Before Fleeing Scene

A Minnesota woman has been charged with multiple counts of murder and arson in connection with the death of two children in March.

Jennifer Marie Stately, 35, is charged with one count each of premeditated murder, murder in the course of committing child abuse, murder in the course of committing arson, arson, and felony child neglect, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Minnesota.

On March 15, Stately allegedly slashed two children with a knife or other sharp object before setting fire to a residence on the Red Lake Indian Reservation and fleeing with a third child, prosecutors claimed.

According to court documents, Minor A was fatally stabbed in the chest and Minor B suffered non-fatal stab wounds before both ultimately died from smoke inhalation in the fire.

An Amber Alert was issued at around 9 p.m. that night for Minor C, who was with Stately when she allegedly fled, prosecutors said, adding that when law enforcement located Stately and took custody of the child, Minor C had "visible signs of child neglect."

“This tragic case demonstrates the importance of close working relationships between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our state, federal and tribal law enforcement partners. Together, we are able to bring charges swiftly in cases such as this on behalf of the most vulnerable among us,” U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger said in a statement.

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“This case is another example of how AMBER Alerts save lives. They get critical information out quickly to millions of Minnesotans willing to step up to help rescue a child in mortal danger,” Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans said. “We are grateful to the Minnesotan who acted quickly and bravely in this case, and to all Minnesotans who join in the search when a child needs them most.”

TMX contributed to this report.