Yesterday, a court in Freeborn County sentenced Austin Navarro to 25 years in prison for the murder of his girlfriend's 2-year-old child in July 2023. Navarro also received a concurrent 32-month sentence for assaulting his 12-week-old son. He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and third-degree assault on September 18, 2024.
The sentencing guidelines recommended a presumptive sentence of 240 months for second-degree murder. However, due to aggravating factors such as Navarro’s authority over the child, the victim's young age, and the particular cruelty of the crime, the court imposed a sentence of 300 months under the plea agreement.
On July 6, 2023, Navarro physically assaulted two children in his care. During the plea hearing, he admitted to punching and kicking both children multiple times. The toddler suffered severe injuries including broken ribs and a traumatic brain injury and died despite life-saving efforts. The infant survived but sustained injuries like fractured ribs.
Attorney General Ellison’s office prosecuted at Freeborn County Attorney David Walker's request under Minnesota Statutes Sec. 8.01. This statute allows the attorney general to appear in court upon a county attorney's request.
“My heart goes out Austin Navarro’s victims, as well as their families. While nothing can undo the pain Navarro caused, I hope that Navarro’s conviction is able to bring them some measure of solace,” said Attorney General Keith Ellison. “My Office will continue working to improve public safety across our state by partnering with county attorneys and prosecuting criminals who pose a danger to their fellow Minnesotans.”
Ellison expressed gratitude towards the Albert Lea Police Department and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for their assistance in investigating and prosecuting this crime.