Divorce Filed Amid Controversial Murder Case
Jenny Lynn Berter, the wife of Vance Luther Belter, has initiated divorce proceedings in Sibley County, Minnesota. The couple’s marriage has come into the spotlight due to Vance’s involvement in a political assassination case.
The divorce complaint was filed on August 29 by Jenny Belter, 51, who resides in Green Isle, Minnesota. She is working with family law attorney Maury Beaulieu. In court documents, Vance Belter is described as a self-represented litigant.
Beaulieu conveyed to media that Jenny “will not be making any additional comments.”
In a recent court ruling, Judge Amber Donley of the Cibble County District Court ordered that all records pertaining to this case be sealed, following motions from both parties.
Notably, the divorce petition is termed “breaking up with children,” given that the couple shares five children, though four of them are now adults.
Vance Belter, 58, is currently facing multiple charges related to the murder of Melissa Hortman, a former Minnesota House Speaker, along with her husband and family pet, on June 14. He is additionally charged with attempted murder following an incident involving State Senator John Hoffman and his family.
In a shocking turn of events, on August 14, Minnesota authorities charged Vance with various serious offenses, including first-degree murder and impersonation of a police officer. Previously, he pleaded not guilty to several federal charges linked to stalking and firearm offenses, and he could potentially face the death penalty for the murder charges. His next court appearance is scheduled for November.
Vance is currently incarcerated at Sherburn County Jail, with a state bail set at $5 million. His state trial will not proceed until federal cases are settled.
The couple, who married in October 1997, have relocated multiple times due to Vance’s career in the food processing sector. They have lived in states including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.
Additionally, Vance has been associated with various non-profit organizations, including Revoformation Ministries Inc. and initiatives aimed at enhancing local food supplies in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This information came to light through documents reviewed by media sources.
Attempts to establish a security business have been made by the couple in the past, but the ventures have not flourished. The recent attempt, named Praetorian Guard Security Services LLC, involved investment in police vehicles. Despite listing Jenny as president and Vance as director of security patrols, the business did not launch successfully.
One of these vehicles allegedly played a role during the recent violent incidents when Vance purportedly planned to target lawmakers. While he claims his intentions were to make civil arrests, the situation escalated dramatically.
Further complicating matters, it’s reported that, following the incidents, Vance texted his wife, referring to the chaos as “going to war” while apologizing for the turmoil they would face as a family.
After the shooting spree, Jenny Belter and her children left their home, reportedly at Vance’s suggestion, while law enforcement was tracking them. In their vehicle, police discovered firearms, ammunition, and a substantial amount of cash. Jenny has not been charged in the case and is currently not in custody.
Following the tragic events, she expressed her shock and heartache over the incidents in a statement, emphasizing feelings of betrayal and sorrow for the victims affected by the tragedy.
