ST. PAUL – Legislation has been introduced to strengthen state penalties for anyone found guilty of crimes similar those involving 19-year-old victim Laura Schwendemann, of Starbuck, whose body was found 12 days after she was reported missing last fall.
The legislation, known as "Laura’s Law," is being carried in the House by Rep. Paul Anderson, R-Starbuck, and in the Senate by Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen, R-Alexandria.
Currently, the crime of interfering with the body or scene of a death with intent to conceal the body or evidence, or otherwise to mislead the coroner or medical examiner, is a gross misdemeanor in Minnesota. The maximum penalty for such a crime is 365 days in jail and a fine. If this new legislation becomes law, the crime would become a felony with the maximum penalty increased to not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $20,000 or both.
“After visiting with Douglas County Attorney Chad Larson and the Schwendemann family, it’s apparent to me that the present statute doesn’t go far enough for this type of crime,” Anderson said.
A statement issued by the Schwendemann family said, “With the change to this law, these reprehensible acts would be treated with the seriousness they deserve, and a stronger punishment would give greater justice to victims and their families. We ask that the law be changed and renamed ‘Laura’s Law.’ We hope some good will come out of this tragedy.”
Anderson's House version (H.F. 3469) is scheduled to have its first hearing when that body’s committee on public safety meets 10:15 a.m. Wednesday in St. Paul.
“People have a legal and moral responsibility to report serious medical or criminal acts, not hide them,” Ingebrigtsen said. “Anyone convicted of such a crime should face felony charges.”
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