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Murder Guilty Plea Entered by Shoreview Woman in Middle of Trial

Jetaun Wheeler was in the middle of a trial where she intended to argue she was acting in self-defense, when she decided to plead guilty to second-degree unintentional murder. Wheeler killed her boyfriend with a closet rod, wrapped him in plastic and duct tape, and hid him in a freezer in her garage. Eddie Sole, Wheeler’s boyfriend, was almost 20 years older than her. The killing occurred in July 2013.

In 2013, a search warrant was executed on Wheeler’s home. Two pieces of carpet were rolled up under her mattress. Bloodstains were found on one of the pieces of carpet. Along with the new-looking freezer with Sole inside of it, police found bags of clothing and shoes with bloodstains. Wheeler was charged on August 26, 2013.

The prosecution stated that Wheeler bought a freezer to hide Sole’s body. The charges stated that Wheeler killed him because he wanted out of their relationship. Sole’s family members became concerned and contacted the police when he did not come back to Chicago. Wheeler admitted to buying the freezer but argued that the death was the result of self-defense. Wheeler argued that she and Sole had a fight along with a third party. Wheeler will be sentenced on August 21, 2014 and Prosecutors are hoping for a 15-year prison sentence.

What is Self- Defense in Minnesota?

Minnesota law has a duty to retreat provision. A duty to retreat is when a person who believes they will be harmed has a duty to retreat when possible before responding with reasonable force. If retreating is not a possibility, reasonable force can then be used. The amount of force used in self-defense should be commensurate with the perceived threat level at the time. Reasonable force is very fact specific and depends entirely on the particular facts in your case.

Contact Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys for a free consultation if you are charged with murder and if you believe you were acting in self-defense. Many people get charged with a crime regardless of whether they were acting in self-defense. You will need an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney to help you with your case.

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Attorney Max Keller
Max Keller

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

Experience: Practicing since 1997
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: State of Minnesota Minnesota State Court Minnesota Federal Court 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals State of Maryland

What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Criminal Offense

Person using smartphone with blurred police lights background. charged with a drug crime based on text messages

Can You Be Charged With a Drug Crime Based on Text Messages Alone?

You can be charged with a drug crime based on text messages alone in Minnesota, especially when the messages show intent to purchase, sell, distribute, or traffic drugs. Prosecutors often use text messages to demonstrate intent to commit a drug crime, show a history of drug activity, link you to a specific phone, and corroborate physical evidence. Text messages often strengthen the probable cause required for the police to arrest and charge you. They are, however, not sufficient for a conviction without compelling supporting physical evidence.
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Can the Police Lie to You During an Interrogation in Minnesota?

Criminal defendants who interact with police officers for the first time are often left wondering, “Can the police lie to you during an interrogation?” Police officers can lie to you during an interrogation. In fact, deception is a lawful and fully permitted police technique provided the officers do not use it to force a confession. Police often claim possession of non-existent evidence or witnesses to trick you into disclosing information that can aid their investigation.