Sen. Jasinski, Rep. Petersburg introduce bill increasing penalties for attempted murder of police
By Ashley Hanley|2021-01-14T11:19:22-06:00January 14th, 2021|
Minnesota Senator John Jasinski (R-Faribault) and Representative John Petersburg (R-Waseca) today introduced a bill that strengthens state criminal penalties against individuals who are convicted of attempted first-degree murder of a police officer, judge, prosecutor, or correctional officer. The legislation increases the minimum sentence from 20 years with release under supervision after two-third of the sentence is served to life incarceration with a minimum of 30 years in prison before being eligible for release.
The legislators were joined at a press conference in support of the bill by Officer Arik Matson, a Waseca police officer who was nearly killed in the line of duty last January, as well as Officer Matson’s wife Megan, Waseca County Attorney Rachel Cornelius, Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Associati
Aric Matson and his wife Megan stood at a podium today at the Minnesota Senate Building in St. Paul. A year ago the Waseca Policeman was battling for his life. Matson was shot in the head while responding to a call in Waseca January 6, 2020.
A news conference was held by State Senator John Jasinski (R-Faribault) and Representative John Petersburg (R-Waseca) to introduce a bill named after Matson to increase penalties against individuals convicted of attempted first degree murder of a police officer.
Judges, prosecutors and correctional officers are also included.
Megan Matson told those gathered, As a couple we believe that there is a purpose to why the Lord chose Aric that night. We are turning a tragic event that happened to our family into something purposeful. With the Lord by our side we listen to him and he guides and provides for us.