Eric Jordahl convicted of murdering mother Rosalie Johnson in Minnesota, as disturbing court details emerge
Chilling evidence has emerged in court following the conviction of a man accused of carrying out a shocking attack inside the family home. WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT
WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT
Disturbing details have emerged in court after a Minnesota man was convicted of murdering his mother inside their family home in a brutal attack that shocked the local community.
Eric Leif Jordahl was found guilty of first-degree murder over the killing of Rosalie “Rose” Johnson, a respected local government official, at the pair’s home in Big Lake, Minnesota, on July 23, 2020.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Jurors heard confronting evidence about the events inside the home, with the 26-year-old later making a chilling statement to his father when confronted about the killing.
“The devil exists, it’s in me, and I ate mum,” the young man told his father, according to a criminal complaint reviewed by the Star Tribune.
Despite the conviction, Jordahl’s legal team is expected to argue he should be found not guilty due to mental illness, with proceedings continuing this week as the court considers his mental state at the time of the attack.
Authorities allege the violent incident began late at night after Johnson told her son to go to bed, triggering what prosecutors described as a frenzied assault.
When Jordahl’s father, Andrew Jordahl, returned home the following morning, he discovered his son in the garage covered in blood, prompting an emergency response.
Investigators later located Johnson’s body in her bedroom, with police alleging evidence of a sustained and violent attack inside the home.
Officers also discovered human tissue and a butcher’s knife on the kitchen table, while further evidence was found on Jordahl’s clothing.
Johnson, 62, was an active member of her community and had served on the Big Lake City Council since January 2019. She was also involved with the Big Lake Community Lake Association and contributed to the Big Lake School District’s Community Education Advisory Board.
Friends and colleagues remembered her as a dedicated public servant committed to improving her local community.
In the months following her death, a memorial bench was installed in Big Lake’s Lakeside Park in her honour.
“It’s the perfect memorial,” Scott Zettervall, a fellow city council member, told the Times. “It’s a place for conversation, reflection and relaxation.”
First-degree murder carries an automatic life sentence under Minnesota law.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the disturbing nature of the allegations and the defence’s claim that mental illness played a role in the fatal attack.
If you or someone you know needs help, phone SANE Australia Helpline on 1800 18 SANE (7263).
If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.
Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.
