Minnesota Man Sentenced to Life for Killing Co-Worker Who Rejected Him Romantically
September 25, 2024
MINNESOTA: A Minnesota man has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the premeditated murder of his co-worker, Nicole Hammond, 28, after she rejected his romantic advances.
Michael Carpenter, 38, was convicted of first-degree premeditated murder and second-degree intentional murder. On October 24, 2022, Carpenter shot Hammond in the neck outside their workplace in St. Cloud.
According to court records, Carpenter had been pursuing Hammond romantically, sending her text messages the night before the shooting. Hammond rejected his advances, asking him not to touch her or make things uncomfortable at work.
Despite Hammond's clear boundaries, Carpenter carried out the fatal attack. Police responded to the scene at 7 a.m. and found Hammond dead in the parking lot. Carpenter fled but was arrested less than three hours later.
During sentencing, Hammond's family delivered emotional victim impact statements. Her mother, Terri Anderson, expressed shock at Carpenter's comments, saying, "If she was such an amazing girl to him... this shouldn't have happened."
Carpenter spoke briefly, acknowledging Hammond's kindness and beauty, but offered no explanation for his heinous act.
"This senseless tragedy highlights the dangers of obsession and the importance of respecting boundaries," said Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison.
