Woman Charged with Attempted Murder of Disabled Son

Julie Myhre-Schnell, estranged wife of Minnesota Department of Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell, has been charged with first-degree attempted murder for allegedly trying to kill their 33-year-old disabled son. On December 3, 2023, she reportedly crushed Lorazepam pills and placed them in her son's feeding bag, hoping he would 'go to sleep forever.' The son, who suffers from spina bifida and requires 24-hour care, survived the attempt. Myhre-Schnell admitted her actions to investigators and multiple family members, expressing regret that her son survived. Following her confession, Paul Schnell filed for an emergency restraining order against her. Myhre-Schnell remains in custody without bail and awaits further court proceedings.