Feds: Mother who sparked AMBER Alert killed two children before abducting third

A Red Lake woman murdered two of her children in March before abducting her third child, who was later rescued, federal charges allege.

Jennifer Stately, 35, is facing federal criminal charges in connection with the March 15 incident, which caused authorities to issue an AMBER Alert.

Prosecutors in Todd County filed charges accusing Stately of child torture and other felonies related to the abduction of her three-year-old son , who was found in extremely poor medical condition after an AMBER Alert was issued.

Those charges were dismissed late last month, according to MPR News , which noted Red Lake Nation is exempt from a law giving state courts criminal jurisdiction on Indian Reservations.

According to federal charges, Stately is accused of fatally stabbing one of her children in the chest before lighting her home on fire, causing the death of her second child.

The second child, who died of smoke inhalation, had also been stabbed, charges state.

Stately then allegedly fled with her third child, who was rescued when police found her driving on Highway 71 in Todd County.

“The loss of innocent lives demands swift and decisive action,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis.

“Through seamless collaboration with our state and local counterparts along with the invaluable support of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, we are steadfast in our resolve to pursue justice for the victims," he continued. "We stand united in seeking closure and healing for the affected family and their community.”

The indictment charges Stately with one count of premeditated murder, one count of murder in the course of committing child abuse, one count of murder in the course of committing arson, one count of arson, and one count of felony child neglect.

In statement Monday, BCA Superintendent Drew Evans said the case offers an example of how AMBER Alerts save lives.

"They get critical information out quickly to millions of Minnesotans willing to step up to help rescue a child in mortal danger,” Evans said. “We are grateful to the Minnesotan who acted quickly and bravely in this case, and to all Minnesotans who join in the search when a child needs them most.”