Minnesota Sen. Nicole Mitchell Testifies in April Burglary Trial Over Stepmother's Care

Senator Nicole Mitchell testified during her burglary trial that she entered her stepmother Carol Mitchell's home out of concern for her well-being, as Carol suffers from Alzheimer's disease. Mitchell admitted to lying to police about her intentions, stating she initially said she was there to retrieve items belonging to her late father but clarified she was actually checking on her stepmother's safety. She described her stepmother's increasing paranoia and hostility following the death of her father and said she wanted to avoid exacerbating these symptoms. Prosecutors argue Mitchell entered the home with intent to steal, while the defense maintains her actions were driven by genuine concern. Mitchell also acknowledged accessing her stepmother’s medical records without permission prior to the incident. Throughout nearly five hours of testimony, Mitchell expressed regret and sought understanding from the jury for the complicated family dynamics and her decisions that night.