Convicted Minnesota lawmaker killer pushing for change of venue in state murder trial

Vance Boelter, convicted earlier this year in federal court for murdering former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, returns to court Monday as his state murder trial approaches. The state trial is scheduled to begin next month. Monday’s hearing is expected to address a temporary gag order approved last week after public comments made by Boelter’s surviving victims—state Sen. John Hoffman, his wife Yvette Hoffman, and their daughter Hope Hoffman. Boelter’s legal team will also seek a change of venue. The state has filed a protective order to limit access to sensitive personal information, following blog posts Boelter allegedly made while incarcerated. He faces two counts of first-degree premeditated murder in the state case and additional charges.