Jamie Lee Voelker sentenced to 12 ½ years for 2nd-degree murder of his mother, 1st-degree burglary

Received 150-month sentence and concurrent 33-month sentence following shooting death of his mother and subsequent break-in of neighbor’s residence

October 2, 2026 (SAINT PAUL) — On September 30, a Cottonwood County court sentenced Jamie Lee Voelker to 150 months in prison for his role in the July 23, 2025, shooting death of his mother and subsequent break-in of a neighbor’s residence in Windom, Minnesota. Voelker pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and first-degree burglary on July 30, 2025.

On July 23, 2025, Voelker used a THC vape, then shot his mother several times with a .22 caliber handgun. The victim subsequently died from her injuries.  After the shooting, Voelker broke into a neighbor’s residence and damaged the bathroom before he was apprehended by law enforcement. Voelker later claimed no memory of committing the offenses due to his vape use.

“Voelker’s crime is absolutely horrific for his family and the entire community of Windom. We can never bring his mother back, but I hope that his being held accountable is an important step in healing,” said Attorney General Ellison. “I’m very grateful to Cottonwood County Attorney Nick Anderson and his team for putting their trust in us, and for the Windom Police Department, Cottonwood County Sheriff’s Department, and Minnesota BCA for investigating this shocking crime.”

Attorney General Ellison’s office prosecuted Voelker upon a referral from Cottonwood County Attorney Nick Anderson under Minnesota Statutes section 8.01, which provides, “Upon request of the county attorney, the attorney general shall appear in court in such criminal cases as the attorney general deems proper.” The authority vested in the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office is primarily civil. Aside from referrals submitted under section 8.01 and Medicaid fraud, the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office does not have authority to prosecute most criminal acts. That authority generally rests with county and city attorneys.

The Windom Police Department, Cottonwood County Sheriff’s Office, and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension investigated this crime.