Trial to begin for dad who killed 3 girls

HUDSON, Wis. — Opening statements are expected to begin in the insanity trial of a man who admitted last week that he killed his three daughters in their River Falls home.

Thirty-five-year-old Aaron Schaffhausen pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree intentional homicide, but he maintains he is not responsible because of a mental illness. Opening statements are scheduled to begin Tuesday morning in St. Croix County.

Prosecutors said Schaffhausen knew what he was doing last July when he killed 11-year-old Amara, 8-year-old Sophie and 5-year-old Cecilia. They said he did it because he was angry at his ex-wife.

If Schaffhausen is found sane, he could go to prison for life. If the jury finds he was not responsible, he could be committed to a psychiatric institution and possibly released someday.

SportsPlus

Mower County

DNR investigating recent waterfowl deaths across southern Minnesota

Mower County

A new reason to run: After diagnosis, Austin grad is looking to raise funds to fight MS

Mower County

SWCD board chair to serve as VP for state group

Mower County

Minnesota DNR: Enjoy the ice over the holidays, but check it often

Education

Education Briefs

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Convictions: Dec. 9-16

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

G. Meadow man sentenced for drug charges, challenges pre-investigation in 2nd case

Mower County

Eastbound I-90 lane, ramps reopen in Austin as Cedar River bridge completed

News

A Place for Romantics: New downtown bookstore for romance is a dream for its owner

Agriculture

Voigts honored for conservation farming practices

Business

Austin realtor honored with Realtor Emeritus Award

Agriculture

Grant available to aid in weather resilience

Mower County

In Your Community: Asian Student Union donate 30 blankets to Mayo Clinic

Mower County

In Your Community: Austin Youth Hockey Peewee B shops for family

Brownsdale

In Your Community: Brownsdale Study Club

Mower County

In Your Community: Duplicate Bridge

Mower County

In Your Community: Mower County Senior Center

News

Minnesota House tie in peril after judge rules DFL lawmaker can’t be sworn in

News

Unwelcome holiday guests: RSV, flu and COVID-19 on the rise

News

Minnesota deputies saw 250 animals suffering at purported rescue. Weeks later, only 70 were left

News

Federal Reserve cuts its key rate by a quarter-point but envisions fewer reductions next year

Education

Riverland Community College celebrates remarkable enrollment growth

Mower County

Photos: Singing the song of the season

Mower County

Driver in crash that injured Wyatt Hamlin arrested in Tennessee