Crime, Law and Justice

Special counsel Jack Smith taking steps to wind down federal cases against Trump
Special counsel Jack Smith is taking steps to end both federal cases against Trump before the president-elect takes office, according to a source familiar with the Justice Department deliberations.
Police: 13-year-old boy accidentally shot, killed by another teen
A 13-year-old boy was killed early Tuesday morning in what Minneapolis police are calling an apparent accidental shooting. Officials say a 14-year-old boy was handling a gun when the 13-year-old was shot. 
Brainerd man charged in deadly shooting, child abductions that led to Amber Alert
Chad Aanerud, 35, was charged Monday in Crow Wing County District Court with 12 criminal counts, including second-degree murder, first-degree criminal sexual conduct, kidnapping, arson and assault with a dangerous weapon.
Minnesota law bans harassment, intimidation of election workers
With concerns about election-related violence on the rise, poll workers and election officials in Minnesota have some new legal protections. While there have been only sporadic problems in Minnesota, the measure was prompted by harassment elsewhere.
Jury convicts former Kentucky officer of using excessive force on Breonna Taylor during deadly raid
A federal jury has convicted a former Kentucky detective of using excessive force on Breonna Taylor the night she was shot to death by police officers in 2020. The 12-member jury returned the late night verdict after clearing Brett Hankison earlier in the evening on a charge that he used excessive force on Taylor’s neighbors.
Family found safe after shooting, kidnapping prompt Amber Alert; suspect arrested
Authorities in central Minnesota say a pregnant woman and her four children were found safe Friday morning, hours after they were reportedly abducted at gunpoint from a home near Brainerd. The suspect is also believed to have fatally shot another man.
Man who killed eagles on a Native American reservation gets nearly 4 years in prison
A Washington state man who authorities say led a wildlife trafficking ring on a Native American reservation in Montana that killed thousands of eagles and hawks was sentenced to nearly four years in prison. 
Minneapolis city officials plan independent review of police handling of shooting case
Minneapolis city officials said Thursday there will be an independent review of the Minneapolis Police Department’s handling of a south Minneapolis shooting. The announcement came after City Council voted to request a review of the shooting of Davis Moturi on Oct. 23.