Mother convicted of murdering 6-year-old son with shotgun

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced today that Julissa Angelica Genrich Thaler, 29, was convicted by a jury of murder in the shooting of her 6-year-old son Eli Hart on May 20, 2022. Moriarty released the following statement:

"Gun violence once again took center stage at the courthouse today. One trial began where an argument after bar close turned deadly. Another case ended with a man sent to prison for nearly 13 years after a confrontation over children being jointly raised ended with gunfire. And now a mom has been convicted of killing her 6-year-old son with a shotgun.

"Eli's brutal murder is one of the most horrific cases I have encountered in 30 years working in the criminal legal system. Nothing will ever fill the emptiness Eli's father and other loved ones now live with every day, but I'm hopeful this verdict will make it just a bit easier to remember Eli as the toothless, happy, smiling little boy we have seen in photos.

“We are grateful to the Orono Police Department for their work on the case and all who contributed to this outcome.

"We will continue to prioritize the prosecution of violent crime. But prosecuting gun violence after it occurs will never be enough. We can't simply wait for more victims to do something. I am committed to doing my part, working with others in the community and at all levels to help get guns off the street and protect those not yet harmed."