VADNAIS HEIGHTS, MN – A 65-year-old Minnesota woman could spend the next several decades in prison after she confessed to attempting to kill her adult son, who relies on a wheelchair and feeding tube, by lacing his food with crushed anti-anxiety medication.
Julie Myhre-Schnell admitted in court last week to one count of attempted first-degree murder for the December 2023 incident involving her son. The plea agreement reached with prosecutors included the dismissal of an aggravating factor that described the victim as “particularly vulnerable.”
Court documents reveal that, at the time of her arrest in August 2024, Myhre-Schnell was embroiled in a divorce with Minnesota Department of Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell. Following her arrest, the divorce was finalized, and an order of protection was filed to prevent any contact between Myhre-Schnell, her former husband, and her son.
Investigators reported that the attempted poisoning occurred at Regency Home Care in Vadnais Heights, where the victim, who has spina bifida and requires round-the-clock care, was living. Authorities said Myhre-Schnell tried to end her son’s life by surreptitiously adding a large dose of Lorazepam, a powerful anti-anxiety drug, to his feeding bag. The attempt reportedly led to a health emergency, but the son survived.
According to court filings, Myhre-Schnell openly admitted her actions to several parties over the ensuing months, including her son. In a series of text messages, she told him that she had hoped he “would go to sleep forever” after giving him the overdose.
Records from investigators detailed her method: Myhre-Schnell refilled a prescription for Lorazepam at the start of December, crushed the remaining pills into a container with water, and discreetly carried the mixture into the group home in her pocket. She administered the slurry into her son’s feeding bag during a visit on December 3, 2023.
During a formal interview in June with investigators, Myhre-Schnell confessed her intentions and detailed the steps she took. She described experiencing persistent doubts as she carried out the act, telling authorities she knew from the onset that she intended to follow through and later expressing surprise at her own actions.
As the investigation unfolded, evidence showed she also confessed directly to her son in August 2024 through text messages. In those messages, she explained what she had done, prompting her son to describe the revelation as “heavy” and “a lot to process.” He told investigators that, despite everything, he “made it” and was “still here.”
The victim, whose identity has not been released due to privacy concerns, is described in court documents as enjoying his residence, maintaining friendships, and volunteering at a local zoo each week. Authorities say he expressed satisfaction with his living situation and did not want for anything.
Myhre-Schnell reportedly struggled with mental health difficulties in the months preceding the crime, based on details contained in the criminal complaint.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 7. Myhre-Schnell faces up to 18 years in prison for attempted first-degree murder. The court has not yet determined a specific sentence, as both the defense and prosecutors have not agreed on a recommendation.