In a significant development, inmates in Minnesota prisons and those under community supervision were recently informed by the Department of Corrections about a new opportunity: the chance to petition the court to overturn their convictions related to aiding and abetting felony murder.
This opportunity arises from a recent change in Minnesota law, which limits the scope of criminal accountability for aiding in crimes leading to murder. Importantly, this change applies retroactively, allowing individuals with prior convictions to submit petitions by October 2025 for potential conviction overturning.
While not universally applicable, this presents the possibility of earlier release for some individuals than originally expected.
Recently, the courts granted the first petitions under this new law. In Hennepin County, Judge Kerry Meyer nullified the convictions of Briana Martinson, 27, and Megan Cater, 25, for their involvement in a 2017 robbery resulting in murder. Previously expected to remain imprisoned until 2026, Martinson and Cater were re-sentenced to a lesser charge of burglary, factoring in the six years already served, leading to their immediate release.
Martinson and Cater may represent the forefront of individuals eligible for early release. At least 105 resentencing applications have been submitted so far, according to data from Minnesota’s Court Administrator’s Office. Courts across the state will assess these cases in the coming months to determine if applicants qualify for resentencing under the new law.
However, the legislation has sparked debates regarding eligibility for resentencing. Bobbie Elder, whose son was a victim of murder during the robbery involving Martinson and Cater, views the two women as masterminds behind the crime. Elder criticized Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty for supporting the petition to nullify their convictions, stating, “While this change in the law may be warranted in some instances, this case is not one of them.”
The new law aims to address disparities and injustices revealed in a bipartisan report, which highlighted inequities and a disregard for intent to harm in Minnesota courtrooms. The unanimous recommendation of a task force led to amending the statute, offering a mechanism for individuals already convicted to apply for resentencing under a revised legal framework.
While Martinson and Cater were the first beneficiaries of the amended law, several petitions await review. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty has voiced support for petitions meeting the criteria outlined in the new law, emphasizing the importance of accountability proportional to involvement.
As courts continue to review cases, more individuals convicted of aiding and abetting felony murder may secure early release, fueling ongoing discussions about equity and the proper implementation of Minnesota’s recent legislative changes.