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Jury Clears Woman in Fiancé's Fatal Stabbing
24 Jun
Summary
- Josephine Edwards acquitted of second-degree murder charges.
- Defense presented alternate perpetrator theory with new suspects.
- Evidence included a palm print not matching the victim or accused.
Josephine Edwards, 51, was acquitted by a Ramsey County jury on Tuesday of second-degree unintentional murder charges related to the fatal stabbing of her fiancé, Lucas Sanders, on February 14, 2024. Edwards had been held on $750,000 bail since the night of the killing. Her defense team presented an alternate perpetrator theory during the trial.
During the trial, Edwards testified that another individual had entered their apartment after they returned from a Valentine's Day party and that she saw this person run out as Sanders collapsed. Evidence presented included a palm print on the murder weapon that did not match Edwards or Sanders, as well as DNA from a third person. This evidence supported the defense's claim that a woman and her son were the actual perpetrators.
The jury deliberated for approximately 12 hours over three days before reaching their verdict. Criminal proceedings had been suspended in June 2024 due to Edwards' temporary incompetence to stand trial, but she was later found competent. The Ramsey County Attorney's Office expressed disappointment but respected the jury's decision.
