The defense team for Minnesota state Senator Nicole Mitchell concluded its case on April 14, 2024, in her ongoing burglary trial, marking a significant moment as closing arguments commenced shortly thereafter. The trial centers on allegations that Mitchell committed first-degree burglary and possessed burglary tools in connection with a break-in at her stepmother’s home in Detroit Lakes.
On Friday morning, the defense presented two witnesses to support Mitchell’s case. Among them was her aunt, Cindy Lee Marky, and Jay Brody, who serves as the superintendent of the 126th Combat Weather Flight in Wisconsin. Brody previously worked under Mitchell’s command in the Air National Guard, lending his testimony to the senator’s character.
Mitchell, a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party, has pleaded not guilty to the charges. During her testimony on Thursday, she spent over five hours on the witness stand, openly acknowledging that she entered the home of her late father, Rod Mitchell. She stated her intention was solely to check on her stepmother, Carol Mitchell, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
In her testimony, Mitchell defended her actions by stating, “To me, I understand I did the wrong thing. To me, it felt different because it was my parent’s house and I had a key and I’ve been in and out of there for years.” When questioned about the possibility of trespassing, she denied such claims, asserting her longstanding connection to the property.
The unfolding trial highlights the challenges faced by Mitchell, who has previously survived multiple attempts by Republican colleagues to expel her from the Senate. Following her arrest, the DFL Caucus made the decision to remove her from committee assignments and participation in caucus meetings.
As the trial progresses, local news outlet WCCO will provide in-depth coverage, available online and on CBS News Minnesota. Updates on the case are anticipated as closing arguments are presented and the jury prepares to deliberate.
