Owatonna man found guilty of killing his ex-girlfriend in 2023

A 41-year-old Owatonna, Minnesota, man was found guilty Thursday of killing his ex-girlfriend in 2023.

Jason Lee Horner was convicted on five counts: second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, second-degree manslaughter and possession of a firearm by an ineligible person. The jury deliberated for about seven hours after an 11-day trial.

Sabrina Schnoor, 25, was found dead under an Interstate 35 overpass bridge in May 2023. She died from a single gunshot wound, according to Owatonna police at the scene.

A criminal complaint states that the day before she died, Schnoor told a friend she wanted a gun because “Horner had a gun and she would feel safer with one.” She also shared her real-time location with a friend using an app.

When the friend could not reach Schnoor, she and others went to the phone’s last location, where they found Schnoor dead under the overpass.

According to the complaint, Horner admitted he was present when Schnoor died and claimed she accidentally shot herself. However, the medical examiner ruled her death consistent with homicide, not an accident or suicide.

“While no outcome can ever heal the heartbreak of losing a loved one, I hope today’s verdict brings some peace and comfort to Sabrina’s family and loved ones,” said County Attorney Robert Jarrett.

The Minnesota Attorney General’s office prosecuted the case after Jarrett referred it.

“She was a mother, an artist, and someone who brought tremendous joy and happiness to those around her. And Sabrina was taken from us far too soon. Today, a jury of Jason Horner’s peers held him accountable for Sabrina’s murder. I hope that can bring some measure of solace to Sabrina’s loved ones,” said Attorney General Keith Ellison.

Horner is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 22.