UPDATE: The trial of Sen. Nicole Mitchell, DFL-Woodbury, has exposed critical police missteps in the investigation surrounding her alleged burglary of her stepmother’s home on April 22, 2024. This shocking revelation comes as the prosecution rests its case, heightening the urgency surrounding the proceedings in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.
In a dramatic courtroom scene, police acknowledged their failure to properly secure vital evidence, casting serious doubt on the prosecution’s narrative. During his testimony, Becker County Attorney Brian McDonald confronted Detroit Lakes Police Chief Steven Todd about the investigation’s shortcomings. Todd admitted, “Yes,” when asked if there were aspects of the investigation he wished had been handled differently.
Key evidence, including a note found in Mitchell’s backpack that read “delete texts” and “add tracking Gmail,” was never logged, raising questions about its significance. Becker County Deputy Sheriff Ethan Wothe, who examined the backpack, admitted he “didn’t appreciate the significance” at the time. This mismanagement could play a pivotal role in the jury’s decision-making process.
Further complicating matters, police also returned a pair of black “flashlight gloves” to Mitchell after her arrest, gloves that would aid anyone intending to commit a theft in the dark. Chief Todd expressed regret over this decision, emphasizing the need for better practices.
The investigation’s integrity was further undermined when officers failed to search Mitchell’s car or obtain a warrant for her phone, two missed opportunities to gather evidence that could have substantiated the prosecution’s case. Hours post-arrest, Carol Mitchell discovered a prybar outside her home, allegedly used by Nicole to gain entry. Bodycam footage revealed Wothe handling the prybar improperly, a lapse he acknowledged was a mistake.
The trial has also raised concerns about Carol Mitchell’s reliability as a witness. Struggling with Alzheimer’s disease, her descriptions of the prybar did not match the evidence presented, casting doubt on her testimony.
As the defense begins its case, they aim to portray Nicole Mitchell as concerned for her stepmother’s well-being rather than a criminal. Defense attorney Bruce Ringstrom Jr. hinted at the possibility of Nicole testifying, adding another layer of drama to an already intense trial. Mitchell faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of first-degree burglary, and a maximum of 3 years for possession of burglary tools.
The implications of this trial extend beyond Nicole Mitchell, as it raises serious questions about police protocols and the handling of evidence in high-stakes cases. As the defense strategy unfolds, all eyes will be on the Becker County District Court, where the next developments will be closely watched.
Stay tuned for real-time updates as this story develops.
