Man who waited to get dying girlfriend medical help in an attempt to avoid jail might see a familiar face inside: Police – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pixabay)
Otter Tail County, Minnesota – A 50-year-old woman now faces felony charges for allegedly helping her son conceal the circumstances of his girlfriend’s death following a May 2 crash. Authorities say the mother assisted in keeping the injured woman at home instead of seeking immediate medical care, all to shield her son from potential arrest over a no-contact order.
The Crash and Immediate Aftermath
Deputies responded to a hospital call after 40-year-old Nichole Shoultz was pronounced dead. The victim had been in a relationship with 33-year-old Allen Michael Alberts, who was driving his pickup truck when it crashed. Police determined that Alberts brought Shoultz back to the house they shared rather than taking her to a medical facility right away.
Investigators later learned that Alberts placed the unresponsive woman in a bathtub in an attempt to revive her. He then contacted his mother, Pamela Breckenridge, for assistance moving Shoultz to a couch. Both mother and son later admitted to police that they considered calling 911 but decided against it because Alberts feared violating the no-contact order and facing jail time.
Conflicting Stories and Police Investigation
When first questioned, Breckenridge and Alberts gave accounts that did not match the physical evidence at the scene. Breckenridge claimed she had been at the house earlier on May 1 and that Shoultz left alone in the truck around 12:30 a.m. Phone records, however, showed multiple calls between mother and son throughout the early morning hours.
Breckenridge eventually told investigators she located the crashed truck and found Shoultz. She described attempting chest compressions and using a stethoscope to check breathing, saying, “We do the whole chest rub, trying to see if that will do anything. Um, nothing we were trying was working.” Alberts separately described a fight at a bar, Shoultz driving off alone, and hearing the crash from a distance before returning to the house.
Charges Filed Against Both
Alberts was arrested and charged with second-degree manslaughter. He remains in custody at the Otter Tail County Detention Center on a $500,000 bond, with his next court appearance set for May 18.
Breckenridge was charged with three counts of aiding an offender. She was booked into the same detention center on May 8. Court records show her next appearance is scheduled for June 3. Prosecutors allege her actions helped delay proper medical intervention and obstructed the initial investigation into the fatal crash.
Key Developments in the Case
- Shoultz died from injuries sustained in the May 2 crash.
- Alberts had an active no-contact order with the victim at the time.
- Both suspects initially provided inconsistent statements to deputies.
- Phone records contradicted parts of Breckenridge’s timeline.
- Shoultz was kept at the residence for hours before hospital transport.
The case continues to draw attention because of the family connection and the deliberate choice to prioritize avoiding legal consequences over seeking emergency care. Prosecutors are expected to present additional evidence at upcoming hearings as both defendants prepare to face the charges in court.