Adam Fravel, the ex-partner of Madeline Kingsbury, appeared in Winona County Court on Friday to face charges of second-degree murder in relation to her death, CrimeSpace has learned. A criminal complaint filed in Winona County provides insight into the evidence that prosecutors will rely on to present their case against Fravel.
Kingsbury’s lifeless body was discovered in a remote wooded area north of Mabel, wrapped in a gray-colored fitted bedsheet and secured with black Gorilla Tape. An autopsy revealed that a knotted towel had been placed around her neck and head.
According to the complaint, investigators found a roll of Gorilla Tape matching the color and width observed at the Kingsbury/Fravel residence during a search. Notably, the air mattress in the residence lacked a matching fitted sheet but had pillows with gray pillowcases.
Multiple witnesses came forward, sharing accounts of alleged physical altercations involving Fravel and Kingsbury. One family member reported witnessing Fravel placing his hands around Kingsbury’s neck, leading to the discovery of a red mark on her neck that same day.
Additionally, a friend of Kingsbury recalled a video call in 2020 or 2021 during which Fravel entered the room and aggressively confronted Kingsbury, striking her in the face. The witness revealed that Kingsbury concealed bruises with her sweater during subsequent video calls.
As part of the investigation, police accessed iPhones owned by Kingsbury, recovering text messages and conversations between her and Fravel. In one exchange, Kingsbury expressed her discontent with an incident where Fravel allegedly placed his hand around her neck and pushed her down in front of their children. Fravel’s response allegedly dismissed her concerns, stating, “You’ll adjust.”
During questioning, Fravel admitted to making a statement to Kingsbury that if she didn’t listen, she would end up like Gabby Petito, a young woman who was killed by her fiancé. Fravel claimed it was intended as a joke but acknowledged his infatuation with the Petito case.
Video evidence obtained by detectives captured a person believed to be Fravel swapping the license plates on Kingsbury’s van before leaving the residence on the day of her disappearance. Prosecutors allege that the plates were from Fravel’s own vehicle. Maddi’s van was later spotted driving towards Mabel, the location where her body was ultimately found, before returning north to the residence. Investigators determined that there was a 45-minute gap in Fravel’s timeline, which they argue was used to dispose of Kingsbury’s body.
Fravel’s next court appearance is scheduled for July 20, and if convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of 40 years on each of the two murder counts.
