In May 2022, police in Orono, Minnesota, pulled over 28-year-old Julissa Thaler for a routine traffic stop after receiving reports someone was driving around with a flat tire and a broken window. What they found when they searched the vehicle was far worse. During the traffic stop, they noticed blood in the vehicle as well as a shotgun shell and a bullet hole in one of the seats, prompting them to impound the vehicle.
Upon searching it, they discovered the body of Thaler's 6-year-old son, Eli Hart, in the trunk. Thaler, who had just regained custody of Eli, initially was charged with second-degree murder, but now she is standing trial for first-degree murder after refusing two plea deal offers.
Despite evidence against her, the state offered Thaler a lower charge of second-degree murder.
During a hearing Monday, the state of Minnesota reportedly offered Thaler a second-degree murder charge, which holds a sentence of 40 years, rather than first-degree murder, which carries a mandatory life sentence if convicted, according to FOX 9.
Thaler refused the deal, saying, "I would never do that to my son … I want to go to trial."
Thaler's attorney also requested that she be allowed to leave the courtroom whenever any graphic or emotional evidence is presented throughout the trial. The judge denied that request.
Thaler has a troubled past and had previously lost custody of Eli.
Eli's father, Tory Hart, alleges that Thaler had lost custody of Eli at one point because of her poor mental health and substance abuse issues but that she had been awarded custody again two weeks prior to his murder.
"Numerous parties made many statements to CPS, fearing that mom would harm Eli if full custody were returned. Sadly full custody was returned on May 10, 2022," Eli's former foster mother, Nikita Kronberg, confirmed on a GoFundMe page.
Tory Hart is suing the county for wrongful death.
Hart, who had been actively fighting for custody of Eli prior to his death, claims Child Protective Services ignored his repeated requests for help protecting his son. He is now suing the county for $75,000 in damages.
"No matter how many cries we cried, they ignored us. No matter how many warning signs there were," Hart's fiancée, Josie Josephson, told FOX 9.
The prosecutor has agreed to limit the presentation of graphic evidence during Thaler's trial.
There is evidence that Thaler not only purchased a shotgun prior to killing Eli but also went to a shooting range to learn how to use it. Additionally, police believe she may have tried to hide evidence of her involvement in Eli's murder.
Prior to her arrest, Thaler's car had been seen near dumpsters at a gas station. When police searched the area, they found a backpack and blood. They also found what they believe to have been Eli's booster seat, covered in blood, in another location, according to CBS News.
The trial kicked off shortly after Thaler's hearing on Monday.
During the hearing, however, Prosecutor Dan Allard said the state would limit the amount of graphic evidence presented during the trial, including autopsy photos, per FOX 9.
"They are horrible … as bad as I have ever seen in any case. I don't want to see them again. The family doesn't want to see them again," Allard said.
Jury selection for Thaler's trial began after Monday's hearing. As of Tuesday, seven jurors had been seated, and the judge assigned to the case expressed that he would like to have at least 14 or 15 jurors before opening statements were made.
