MANKATO, Minn. (FOX 9) – A verdict has been reached in the first-degree murder trial of Adam Fravel for the murder of his ex-girlfriend and the mother of his two children. Madeline Kingsbury.

Verdict

Fravel faces charges of first-degree premeditated murder, first-degree murder with a past pattern of domestic abuse, second-degree murder with intent and second-degree murder while committing a felony.

The jury received the case Wednesday afternoon and, after hours of deliberation, returned a verdict Thursday morning. The verdict is expected to be read at 11:05 a.m.

If convicted, first-degree murder carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

disappearance of kingsbury

Kingsbury was reported missing on March 31, 2023. At the time of her disappearance, Fravel, who was her ex-boyfriend and father of her two children, was believed to be the last person to see her alive.

Despite the efforts of authorities and hundreds of volunteers, Kingsbury’s body was not found for four months.

RELATED: Madeline Kingsbury: Chronology of the investigation into her disappearance and death

A Fillmore County deputy located his body in a culvert near Fravel’s parents’ home. Investigators say her body was wrapped in a sheet with a towel tied around her head, which prosecutors say was used to suffocate her. Fravel was arrested shortly after and later charged with first-degree murder.

Search warrants in the case alleged that Kingsbury had reported Fravel’s abuse to friends and family, warning others that if something terrible happened to her, he would be responsible.

the trial

In August 2024, Fravel’s defense team successfully petitioned Winona County Judge Nancy Buytendorp to move the trial to Blue Earth County, a move that was said to further ensure an impartial jury.

The trial began in October and the prosecution presented several witnesses, including police officers and investigators who worked on the case, as well as family and friends who described Kingsbury’s relationship with Fravel as abusive.

During closing arguments, prosecutors told jurors that Fravel had the motive, means and opportunity to kill Kingsbury. Prosecutors argued that Fravel was abusive and controlling, and that he was jealous after Kingsbury told him he had started a new relationship.

Fravel did not testify in his own defenseexercising your right to remain silent. His defense team concluded its case Wednesday, arguing that investigators had “tunnel vision” that only focused on Fravel from the beginning and ignored anything that didn’t fit that narrative.