Convicted Killer of Madeline Kingsbury Requests New Trial

St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - The man sentenced to prison for murdering Madeline Kingsbury is asking the Minnesota Supreme Court to grant him a new trial.

Thirty-one-year-old Adam Fravel was convicted last December of first and second-degree murder charges in the death of the 27-year-old Winona woman in late March 2023. Kingsbury’s disappearance attracted worldwide attention and prompted hundreds of volunteers to join search efforts in the Winona area and other parts of southeastern Minnesota.

Background of the Kingsbury Case

Fravel, the father of Kingsbury’s two children, was charged with her death after her remains were discovered hidden in a culvert along a rural road near his parents’ home in Fillmore County in June 2023. She was last seen alive when she and Fravel dropped their children off at daycare in Winona. Kingsbury was scheduled to report to her job at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester that morning but never showed up.

Fravel is currently serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

Arguments Made in the Appeal Filing

His attorneys filed a notice of appeal in March and have now submitted a brief to the Supreme Court outlining their arguments for granting Fravel a new trial. The court document contends the trial judge should not have allowed prosecutors to present evidence concerning past patterns of behavior or expert testimony regarding domestic abuse and the manner of death.

Get our free mobile app

The filing also claims prosecutorial errors in the presentation of evidence and during closing arguments warrant a new trial. Fravel’s appeal further argues that there is insufficient evidence to prove Kingsbury’s death was not accidental.

It is not yet known when the Supreme Court will hear arguments in the case.

More Minnesota News:

• Rochester Man Accused of Having Sexual Relationship With Minor
• Infant Dies at Minnesota Daycare
• Former State Senator Gets 6 Months For Burglary Conviction