FARMINGTON, Minn. – The grandparents of Maddi Kingsbury’s children are calling for a new Minnesota law to deny parental custody for anyone convicted of first-degree murder. They discussed plans to lobby for such a law a few days after a drawn-out battle with the grandchildren’s father — convicted murderer Adam Fravel. “Our hope is that we’re going to be able to affect a change in the law,” David Kingsbury told a KAAL interviewer. “Once you’re convicted of first-degree intentional murder of your spouse or your partner and there’s young children involved, your parental rights by statute should be automatically terminated.” Fravel killed Maddi Kingbury of Winona in March 2023 and was found guilty in November 2024. Only last week, seven months later, did the grandparents win clear custody of the 7-year-old and 4-year-old children. The grandparents now are proceeding with adoption.
David and Cathy Kingsbury. In KAAL interview in their Farmington home. The grandfather is a lawyer although not in criminal law.
Although understandably bitter against Fravel, the Kingsburys said in the KAAL interview that they’re not totally averse to the chidren having contact with Fravel as their father when they’e older and if it’s their desire and if mental health counselors see no danger of psychological damage. Fravel, age 31, is in prison for life.