Minnesota Mother Sentenced to 3 Years After Trying to Kill Wheelchair-Bound Son With Crushed Pills, Saying She ‘Regretted He Survived’
VADNAIS HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA — A 65-year-old Minnesota mother who admitted to trying to kill her wheelchair-bound son by slipping crushed anxiety medication into his feeding bag will spend just three years in prison, despite prosecutors calling for an 18-year sentence.
According to court records and the Minnesota Star Tribune, Julie Myhre-Schnell pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree murder after confessing to poisoning her son with crushed Lorazepam pills at Regency Home Care in Ramsey County. Prosecutors argued for the maximum penalty of 18 years but were overruled when the judge opted for a shorter sentence.
Prosecutors: “She Regretted That He Survived”
Prosecutor Ron Hocevar condemned the lighter sentence, saying it sends the wrong message.
“A 36-month sentence for attempted murder is why people feel the justice system is flawed,” Hocevar said.
He added that Myhre-Schnell “systematically tried to kill her disabled son — her own child” and told police she regretted that he survived.
According to investigators, Myhre-Schnell texted multiple people, including her son, saying she hoped he would “go to sleep forever.”
Attempted Killing at Group Home
Authorities say the attempted murder occurred on December 3, 2023, when Myhre-Schnell visited her son — who suffers from spina bifida, requires a ventilator, and depends on 24-hour care. She allegedly crushed 31 Lorazepam pills, mixed them with water, and poured the slurry into her son’s feeding bag before leaving.
Police later confirmed that she had refilled her prescription just days before the incident.
During questioning, Myhre-Schnell told investigators:
“The whole time, I knew I was gonna try to do this… I can’t believe I’m doing this.”
The victim later experienced respiratory failure but survived.
Family Turmoil and Disturbing Confession
At the time of her arrest in August 2024, Myhre-Schnell was in the midst of a divorce from Minnesota Department of Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell. After her arrest, Schnell finalized the divorce and filed an order of protection for himself and the victim.
Police say that two days before her arrest, she texted her son admitting the attempt.
“I put my medicine in your feeding bag hoping you would go to sleep forever,” she wrote.
The victim, who lives at the group home, responded:
“I made it. I’m still here.”
He later told investigators the revelation was “a lot to process” but asked the court for leniency toward his mother.
Judge’s Decision and Mental Health Factors
The sentencing judge did not explain why the punishment was reduced, though defense filings referenced Myhre-Schnell’s mental health struggles in the months leading up to the crime.
Despite prosecutors’ objections, she received a 36-month prison term, with credit for time served.
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