WINONA, Minn. – Although the judge’s decision 1-1/2 weeks ago to move the Adam Fravel’s, murder out of Winona was a victory for his defense, the judge rejected several other defense motions. Judge Nancy Buytendorp denied defense motions to:
> Reduce the elevated charge of first-degree murder that had been recommended by the grand jury.
> Disallow allowing the trial jury an option to consider the crime as especially aggravated, which could mean a longer sentence.
> Dismiss things that Fravel told police investigators on grounds he hadn’t been informed of his right as a citizen to remain silent.
The Fravel trial is scheduled for fall for the slaying of his girlfriend who was the mother of their two children. Maddi Kigsbury went missing in March 2023. Her body was found hidden in woods 69 days later.
Earlier: Judge orders venue change for Fravel murder trial
Earlier: A year later: Remembering Maddi