Rapist who attempted suicide won't get new trial

A convicted rapist who missed part of his trial after he tried to commit suicide won't get a new trial.

The Minnesota Court of Appeals on Tuesday affirmed a trial court's decision to let the jury's verdict stand against Jason Eric Finnegan.

It says Finnegan voluntarily absented himself after the first day of his 2006 trial by taking an overdose of drugs, so it was proper to finish his trial without him.

Finnegan was convicted in Otter Tail County of raping a 14-year-old girl in 2005 and sentenced to 12 years in prison. He was 22 at the time of the crime.

Finnegan later claimed his constitutional right to be present at every stage of his trial was violated. Both the trial court and appeals court rejected that, saying he waived that right by attempting suicide.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.