A disturbing case in Minnesota has taken another dramatic turn after authorities charged a mother for allegedly helping her son avoid police while his seriously injured girlfriend died without medical treatment.
Investigators say the woman not only helped move the victim after a crash but also allegedly lied to police to protect her son from being arrested. Now both mother and son are facing serious felony charges in a case that has shocked the local community.
Minnesota Mother Charged After Son’s Girlfriend Dies Without Medical Help
Minnesota authorities have charged Pamela Breckenridge, 50, with multiple felony counts after investigators say she helped her son cover up events surrounding the death of Nichole Shoultz, 40.
According to court records, Breckenridge faces:
- Three counts of aiding an offender
The charges are connected to the May 2 death of Shoultz after a serious vehicle crash.
Son Already Facing Manslaughter Charges
Breckenridge’s son, Allen Alberts, 33, was previously arrested in the same case.
He has been charged with:
- Second-degree manslaughter
Investigators say Alberts was Shoultz’s boyfriend at the time of her death.
Police believe he failed to get emergency medical help after she suffered severe injuries in the crash.
Victim Was Allegedly Left in a Bathtub Instead of Taken to Hospital
One of the most shocking allegations in the case involves what happened after the crash.
According to investigators, Alberts allegedly brought the injured Shoultz back to his home instead of calling 911.
Police say he then placed her inside a bathtub.
According to Alberts, he did this:
“In hopes of waking her.”
Authorities say Shoultz was reportedly unresponsive but still breathing.
She later died from her injuries.
No-Contact Order May Have Motivated the Cover-Up
Investigators say Shoultz had an active no-contact order against Alberts.
Police believe Alberts was afraid of being arrested if authorities discovered the two were together that night.
According to investigators, this fear may have influenced the decision not to call emergency services.
Police Say Mother and Son Initially Lied
Deputies from the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office began investigating after Shoultz was pronounced dead at a hospital.
When investigators questioned Alberts and Breckenridge, police say both gave statements that did not match the physical evidence.
According to court documents, both later admitted they lied.
Police say they allegedly confessed the false statements were made because:
- Alberts did not want to go to jail
- He feared violating the no-contact order
Phone Records Raised More Questions
Investigators reviewed cellphone records from the night of the incident.
According to police, the records showed multiple calls between mother and son.
Phone Activity Investigated by Police
| Time Period | Investigation Findings |
|---|---|
| 12:30 a.m. – 3:30 a.m. | Alberts allegedly called his mother four times |
| 3:32 a.m. | Breckenridge reportedly called Alberts back |
| 3:20 a.m. | Alberts allegedly asked his mother for help |
Police say this evidence contradicted some of the statements initially given to investigators.
Mother Allegedly Helped Move the Victim
According to the criminal complaint, Breckenridge eventually admitted she found the crashed truck and later located Shoultz.
She allegedly called Alberts for help bringing the injured woman back to the house.
Breckenridge reportedly told police that she and her son tried several things to help Shoultz, including:
- Rubbing her chest
- Checking her breathing
- Using a stethoscope
Despite these efforts, authorities say neither of them called 911.
Police Say They Considered Calling for Help
Investigators say both Alberts and Breckenridge admitted they discussed contacting emergency services.
However, according to police, Alberts decided against it because he feared legal consequences.
Authorities say Shoultz remained:
- Unresponsive
- Seriously injured
- Without professional medical care
What Allen Alberts Told Investigators
During questioning, Alberts allegedly told detectives that he and Shoultz had been arguing after leaving a bar around 2 a.m.
He claimed:
- Shoultz became aggressive
- He pulled over during the argument
- He got out of the truck
- Shoultz drove away alone
According to Alberts, he later watched the truck go over a hill before hearing a crash.
He then allegedly returned home, got another vehicle, and brought Shoultz back to the house.
Current Legal Status
Allen Alberts
| Charge | Status |
|---|---|
| Second-degree manslaughter | In custody |
Authorities say Alberts is currently being held at the Otter Tail County Detention Center on $500,000 bond.
His next court appearance is scheduled for May 18.
Pamela Breckenridge
| Charge | Status |
|---|---|
| Three counts of aiding an offender | Charged |
Breckenridge was booked into custody on May 8.
Her next court appearance is scheduled for June 3.
