WINONA, Minn. – Legal problems have deepend for Adam Fravel in the homicide of his live-in girlfriend in March. The charges against Fravel were elevated to first-degree murder in new documents filed in Winona County District Court. Fravel, 29, has been in jail in lieu of $2 million bail since the body of Madeline Kingsbury was found wrapped and hidden in a culvert in April. The new charges:
> Premeditated first-degree murder.
> First-demree murder while committing domestic abuse.
The original charges were second-degree intentional murder without premeditation and unintentional homicide while committing a felony. The revised complaint was signed by County Attorney Karin Sonnema and reflects counsel from Phillip Prokopowicz. Sonneman hired Prokopowicz as a consultant for his experience in Dakota County with high-profile criminal cases. Prokopowicz had been in retirement. He has been working 5-1/2 months on the Kingsbury case.
Earlier: Bail at $2 million for Fravel in murder case
Earkier: Domestic abuse listed in murder charges against Fravel
Earlier: Boyfriend of Maddi Kingsbury arrested on murder charge
Earlier: Probe restructured in Maddi Kingsbury disappearance
Prison prospects
If Fravel pleads guilty or is found guilty in a trial, he faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Fravel’s next court appearance is Thursday before Judge Nancy Buytendorp at the Winona County Courthouse. In announcing the new charges, a spokesperson for prosecutor Karin Sonneman pointed out that that a grand jury indictment is not evidence of a crime but a finding that there is sufficient cause for charges – in this case revised charges. “Mr. Fravel is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law,”the spokesperson said. The initial charges of second-degree murder had been sufficient to arrest and hold Fravel. Under Minnesota law, however, first-degree murder charges require a grand jury indictment.