Death penalty off the table for alleged Hortman killer



Vance Boelter sketch hearing

Federal prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty for the man accused of killing former DFL Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark.

Investigators say that Vance Boelter also shot and wounded DFL State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette and tried to shoot their daughter Hope during an early morning rampage on June 14, 2025 in which he disguised himself as a police officer.

A federal grand jury returned a six count indictment in July that charges Boelter, 58, with stalking, murder with a firearm, and two other gun crimes. He also faces state charges of first-degree premeditated murder that carry an automatic sentence of life without parole.

Minnesota eliminated capital punishment in 1911, but the same grand jury gave federal prosecutors the go-ahead to determine if the death penalty is appropriate for the murder charges.

DOJ officials say now that they will not pursue a death sentence for Boelter.

“Bringing justice to the families and loved ones of victims of violence is the number one priority of the Department of Justice,” a DOJ spokesperson said in a statement. “Prosecutors worked hard on this case to make sure he was held accountable to the fullest extent possible.”

The statement doesn’t detail the legal reasoning behind the decision, but attorney Robin Maher, who leads the Death Penalty Information Center in Washington, said in an interview with MPR News that the murder charges alone are not death-eligible unless prosecutors can prove another underlying crime of violence.

Maher said that prosecutors tried to argue that stalking is a valid predicate offense but ran into roadblocks.

“Stalking has been held not to qualify as a crime of violence,” Maher said. “This all may seem like semantics, but what we’re doing is reflecting the will of Congress and many many decades of jurisprudence.”

Maher also noted that getting a jury to approve a death sentence could be challenging in Minnesota, where no state court has litigated a capital case in more than a century and no federal prosecutor has sought the death penalty in the modern era.

She also said that the Justice Department’s failed bid to seek the death penalty for Luigi Mangione, who’s charged in the 2024 killing of Twin Cities-based UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, was a likely factor in DOJ’s decision in the Boelter case.

A grand jury indicted Mangione, on the same stalking and murder charges that Boelter would later face for allegedly shooting Thompson outside of a Manhattan hotel in December 2024. Then-Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that DOJ would seek the death penalty for Mangione. But in January – a federal judge in New York dismissed two of the counts, including the murder charge that the feds had argued was a capital offense.

Maher said that the Justice Department in the second Trump Administration is overreaching in its efforts to pursue capital cases.

“It’s charging cases that would not qualify for a federal death sentence under the law,” Maher said. “They’re pushing to see how far they can get. In Mr. Mangione’s case and now Mr. Boelter’s case, they’ve had to take a step back.”



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Major hotel companies have seen the value in investing in all-inclusive resorts in recent years, refreshing a formula that once felt tired. Thanks to their efforts, these properties routinely feature fresh, modern design, fantastic restaurants and curated experiences from snorkeling excursions to guided tours of historical sites, all for one reasonable price.

Now you can stay at fabulous all-inclusive resorts that are ideal for honeymooners, ones that are just for adults and many that are great for the whole family.

Hilton hasn’t hesitated to embrace the all-inclusive concept, opening a slew of all-inclusive hotels in Mexico and the Caribbean in the past few years, including the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort in Mexico and Zemi Miches All‑Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton in the Dominican Republic.

Related: The best Hilton hotels in the world

While Hilton’s all-inclusive portfolio is smaller than those of its competitors, its resorts pack a powerful, value-added punch. So, whether you’re a die-hard Hilton Honors member or a free agent just looking for a good deal, chances are there’s a Hilton all-inclusive for you.

Here are TPG’s favorite Hilton all-inclusive resorts to consider for your next warm-weather getaway.

Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort

Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe all-inclusive resort in Tulum, Mexico
CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY

One of Hilton’s properties in Cancun, Mexico, this all-inclusive resort is a winner with its views and amazing restaurant lineup — as TPG found out when we checked in to the property. The Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort is just the place for you if you’re looking for a sunny getaway that earns top marks for service, has spacious rooms and suites, and keeps guests well fed.

All of the resort’s 540 guest rooms and suites come with balconies, and some suites even have private plunge pools. Modern furnishings with tropical flair, a complimentary minibar restocked daily, and either ocean or pool views are offered across all rooms and suites. If you’re in the mood to splurge, book an Enclave room or suite for a private lounge and pools, as well as special welcome amenities — some Enclave suites even feature direct beach access.

From the international breakfast buffet to poolside bites at Seasalt, the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe keeps you well fed and hydrated all day long. We’re especially fond of Maxal, the resort’s Mexican fine dining restaurant. Of course, don’t forget to have fun in the sun: The resort features 13 swimming pools, kids and teens clubs, and a spa for those looking for a little more tranquility and rejuvenation in their getaway.

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Rates at the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort start at $440 or 100,000 Hilton Honors points per night, based on double occupancy.

Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort

family playing at water park
Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort. HILTON

When we sent a reviewer out a few months after opening back in 2021, one thing was immediately clear at the Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort: This place is wonderful for families.

About 20 minutes from Cancun’s Hotel Zone, this all-inclusive resort is in a shared complex with Hilton’s Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya. Both resorts occupy more than 100 acres, giving visitors plenty of room to stretch out while vacationing in Mexico.

At the 715-room Hilton Cancun, guests are treated to modern accommodations with at least 430 square feet of space and amenities like wardrobes and spacious bathrooms. Plus, most rooms and suites have balconies or patios. Book a swim-up room for an even more memorable experience so you don’t have to go far to cool off.

With 12 different restaurants, bars and specialty snack shops, nobody will go hungry. The Hilton Cancun’s restaurants have a much more upscale vibe than what you’d expect to find at an older-generation all-inclusive resort, with options ranging from an international buffet to a taqueria with a walk-up window to an open-flame grill serving sizzling steaks and seafood. Should you crave a sweet treat, there’s even an ice cream and churro shop.

During the day, visitors can swim in two infinity pools or post up at the beach, where activities like soccer and volleyball are scheduled at regular intervals. Families will particularly love that teens and kids clubs have various activities to entertain younger guests throughout the day. Hilton Cancun also specializes in immersive experiences like a Full Moon Dining Series, snorkeling excursions to Isla Mujeres and guided tours of Chichen Itza.

Rates at the Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort start at $400 or 100,00 Hilton Honors points per night, based on double occupancy.

Related: Best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun

Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao All-Inclusive Resort, Curio by Hilton

MANGROVE BEACH CORENDON CURUCAO ALL INCLUSIVE RESORT/FACEBOOK

The Dutch Caribbean island of Curacao begs travelers to grab a beach chair and enjoy the crystalline waters of the Caribbean. This resort, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, is another excellent family-friendly affair. It has a water park with a cobra-themed waterslide, four pristine swimming pools, a scuba diving center and sports like volleyball on the private stretch of sand. Kids can enjoy a playground and various daily activities specifically tailored to younger guests.

When we say this 399-room resort was built for families, we mean it, especially when you factor in that one of the room setups features a king-size bed plus two twins. But no matter what size of room you need, from a standard king to the two-bedroom presidential suite, expect modern decor with bold colors, private outdoor spaces and air conditioning.

There’s a restaurant to satisfy every palate, including Dushi Sushi Club, Ristorante Siciliano and Cor & Don’s BBQ Restaurant. Grab a drink at Pera Lobby Bar & Patisserie until midnight, while the Flamingo Beach Bar stays open 24-hours. Don’t miss The Don Cigar Lounge, where cigars and cognac are offered.

Guests can book a beachside massage in one of several thatched-roof cabanas to unwind. Bike rentals are also available for those who’d rather venture off-site to check out their surroundings.

Rates at Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao All-Inclusive Resort, Curio by Hilton start at $329 or 95,000 Hilton Honors points per night, based on double occupancy.

Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort

CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY

Hilton’s first all-inclusive resort in Tulum, the Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort has a wow factor, and our reviewer was impressed with the laid-back vibe, top-notch amenities and eco-sensitive design.

Across the resort’s 735 rooms and suites, all of which have balconies or patios, guests will find natural touches reflecting the property’s environment and modern amenities like high-definition TVs and ample storage space. For a more premium experience, reserve an Enclave-level room with access to a private lounge with food, drinks and a concierge; exclusive reservations and dining options; two private pool areas; and special fitness and wellness activities.

There are a whopping 13 bars and restaurants to enjoy, ranging from the chic La Luce Italian restaurant and must-have sushi at Noriku to an elegant steakhouse and a poolside seafood restaurant. If you prefer lots of options, be sure to visit Vela Norte, where a variety of international and Mexican dishes are available buffet-style.

Activities are seemingly endless at this Mexican resort. You can relax by the pools (one of which has a special splash zone for kids), hit up the neighboring Conrad’s spa for a treatment, take advantage of the kids and teens clubs, partake in a yoga class, learn about local art and so much more.

Rates at the Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort start at $392 or 80,000 Hilton Honors points per night, based on double occupancy.

Related: TPG’s favorite points hotels on the beach in Mexico

The Rif at Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao All-Inclusive, Curio by Hilton

The Rif at Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao. FACEBOOK

If you feel like you’ve already read about Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao All-Inclusive, Curio by Hilton above, you have. The Rif is that resort’s sister property, but with a more adult-leaning attitude (though technically it’s family-friendly).

The 384-room beachfront resort feels more intimate than some all-inclusives, with four restaurants and one centerpiece pool framed with palm trees and rows of sun beds. When The Rif guests want more dining options and family-friendly amenities such as a water park and playground, they only have to walk next door to the sister resort, Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao. Meanwhile, The Rif remains a haven of calm. The private beach, where guests sometimes swim with sea turtles, is a tropical paradise surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and lush mangrove forests. Thatched-roof cabanas and wood loungers with cushions are tastefully tropical. On-property restaurant options at The Rif include the Turkish restaurant Sofra and the colorful Mexican restaurant Maya, specializing in shareable small plates.

Many of The Rif’s bright, modern guest rooms have balconies or swim-up pool terraces. The resort is just over a mile from UNESCO-protected Willemstad, Curacao’s capital, known for pastel-colored colonial buildings and a 19th-century fort.

Rates at The Rif at Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao All-Inclusive, Curio by Hilton start at $360 or 93,000 Hilton Honors points per night, based on double occupancy.

Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort

MATT MOFFITT/THE POINTS GUY

People flock to Puerto Vallarta’s Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort for the ultimate Mexican beach vacation.

All 444 rooms and suites have balconies with ocean views. Each accommodation has a spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower, a minibar, a Nespresso machine and a smart TV to help you catch some z’s in comfort. Should you wish to upgrade your experience, book an Enclave room to receive a welcome amenity, nightly turndown service, a minibar with premium goodies, and access to the Enclave Lounge. Breakfast, coffee, snacks and happy hour beverages are served there daily.

Activities and amenities abound, but nothing tops sidling up to one of the two oceanfront infinity pools and grabbing an ice-cold margarita from the swim-up bar. The Eforea Spa deserves praise for its impressive treatment menu, plus rejuvenating hydrotherapy pools. For more action, participate in beach sports competitions or attend the resort’s nightly pool parties.

Make sure to bring a healthy appetite. Maxal is the place to go for authentic Mexican dishes, while La Luce will satisfy your craving for trattoria-style Italian fare. If you’d rather savor a mix of Southeast Asian flavors, check out Sunan. Not to be missed are the Mojito Lounge, where you can sip a cocktail from an indoor swing, and the chic Sky Bar.

Whether you’re traveling as a family or a couple without kids, know that there’s space for everyone. The resort has an adults-only wing and kids and teen clubs with age-appropriate activities.

Rates at the Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort start at $400 or 100,000 Hilton Honors points per night, based on double occupancy.

DoubleTree by Hilton Bodrum Isil Club All-Inclusive Resort

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON BODRUM ISIL CLUB RESORT/FACEBOOK

Not all of Hilton’s all-inclusive resorts are in Mexico and the Caribbean; a handful can be found in Turkey, including in stylish, A-lister-approved Bodrum. One of the region’s best resorts is an all-inclusive take on the popular DoubleTree brand.

At the DoubleTree by Hilton Bodrum Isil Club All-Inclusive Resort, you can practice your backhand swing on a tennis court, play table tennis and lounge on the beach facing the Aegean Sea. Other highlights include a pool that looks out over turquoise waters and a kiddie pool with waterslides. There’s even an elevated spa with a full menu of treatments and a Turkish hammam.

When your stomach starts to grumble, you’ll have four dining outlets to choose from: an indoor-outdoor buffet open throughout the day, an Italian restaurant with beautiful outdoor seating, a seafood restaurant by the water, and a casual poolside spot for breakfast and snacks. The Sunset Lounge Bar is the most memorable of the three bars due to its location on a massive outdoor terrace.

Inside the 277 guest rooms and suites, you’ll find all you need for a restful night’s sleep. The predominantly white spaces come outfitted with minifridges, high-definition TVs, walk-in showers, and attached balconies or terraces, among other modern-day amenities.

Rates at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bodrum Isil Club All-Inclusive Resort start at $150 or 49,000 Hilton Honors points per night, based on double occupancy.

Related: 8 lessons I learned from my first all-inclusive vacation

Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme Resort & Golf

HILTON DALAMAN SARIGERME RESORT AND SPA/FACEBOOK

Another great Turkish Hilton all-inclusive resort is on the Aegean in Mugla, east of Bodrum. The Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme Resort & Spa also sits at the mouth of the Dalaman River, so the views are stunning.

At this 538-room resort, accommodations come in all shapes and sizes, from entry-level king guest rooms with balconies to luxurious Lake House villas with swim-up pool access, living rooms and soaking tubs. If you need to accommodate a large group, the three-bedroom presidential suite sleeps 10 and comes with butler service and round-trip ground transportation from the airport, plus a kitchen and four bathrooms.

Getting bored at the Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme is practically impossible. There are 10 pools to explore, waterslides to whiz down, a private beach, a kids club and a sprawling 24-hour fitness center. Adrenaline junkies can try water sports like kiteboarding and windsurfing. If relaxation is what’s calling, skip the adventure and plan a day of pampering at the Elysion Spa.

Food and beverage options range from an Instagram-cool teppanyaki restaurant and a glitzy Italian eatery to a piano bar and an international buffet. If you feel sluggish, head to Citrus Coffee & Bar for an authentic Turkish coffee pick-me-up.

Rates at the Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme Resort & Spa start at $356 or 90,000 Hilton Honors points per night, based on double occupancy.

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