Feds drop death-penalty push in Boelter Minnesota killings case

Federal prosecutors will not seek the death penalty against Vance Boelter in connection with the killings of a Minnesota Democrat and others as part of a plea deal; Boelter faces charges including stalking, and the death-penalty option would depend on proving the killings occurred during a separate “crime of violence,” a standard that has limited similar penalties in past cases. The case has political implications and underscores ongoing debates over punishment options in federal prosecutions.