Jose Aquino against Stuff

Stuff published an article on July 24, 2026, titled Man who killed Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman sentenced to life as family describes trauma, loss.

The Associated Press story reports on the sentencing of Vance Boelter who pleaded guilty to the murder of Democratic lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband as well as wounding state Senator John Hoffman and his wife. It included comment from relatives of the victims who voiced anger that Boelter could not be sentenced to death. It also reported the impact on families.

Jose Aquino complained that the article was misleading and left out relevant context. He said Boelter was part of the inner workings of the “democratic machine,” had been appointed to a workforce development board by Governor Walz, supported the “No Kings” protest and hated Mr Trump.

“He is left wing, yet your biased article makes no mention of that.”

Stuff did not respond to Mr Aquino’s complaint until the Media Council followed up with them. Stuff’s editor explained that Mr Aquino was a serial complainant, and this was not a substantial complaint.

“We simply do not have time to engage with complaints of this matter when they are weekly. If he raises legitimate issues about individual stories we will, of course, engage.”

The editor added that Mr Aquino’s claims about Boelter were wholly inaccurate and cited a Fox News report last year which reported that Boelter’s motivations and political preferences were not at all clear. The story referred to his appointment by Governor Walz, but Boelter was identified by others as a conservative Republican who followed Trump, had strong anti-abortion views, and had been experiencing financial and mental health challenges.

The Media Council saw no evidence to support Mr Aquino’s complaint. The news agency story reported the sentencing of Boelter after his earlier guilty plea. It focused on what he did and his victims’ family statements. It was a straightforward piece of reporting on public events, and there is no evidence of any inaccuracy.  Mr Boelter had pleaded guilty to a shocking crime, and the coverage appears to have been accurate and appropriate.

The Media Council notes Stuff’s comment that Mr Aquino is a regular complainer, but all public facing organisations have to live with similar customers. The response Stuff sent to the Council easily disproved his claim and the Council is pleased to see Stuff's commitment to respond if Mr Aquino raises a genuine issue.

Decision:  No grounds to proceed.