Jensen-Rowe Sentenced For Deliberate Homicide

Prior to announcing his decision for the sentencing of Wolf Point’s Brianna Jensen-Rowe, District Judge Benjamin Fosland related how difficult the process in the deliberate homicide case was for him regarding the length of jail time to be served.

“This is a very hard case,” Fosland said.

He pointed out the case’s huge contrasts. On one side, Jensen-Rowe’s young age and her lack of criminal history should be considered. On the other side, deliberate homicide is or nearly the most serious offense that someone can commit.

This past January, Jensen-Rowe made “no contest” pleas to the charges of deliberate homicide and tampering with evidence. She made the pleas in regards to killing her sister on Aug. 3, 2024. Jensen-Rowe was 18 years old at the time of the murder.

During the sentencing hearing on Tuesday, May 5, Fosland said that he understands that the defendant had a hard time growing up. Fosland added that a person can face all sorts of bad circumstances, but they ultimately make a choice.

Fosland sentenced Jensen-Rowe to 50 years in Montana’s women’s prison with 25 years suspended for deliberate homicide. She must register as a violent offender. In addition, the defendant was sentenced to 10 years in prison for tampering with evidence, none suspended. The sentences are to run concurrently. She will receive credit for 641 days served.

Jensen-Rowe will be eligible for parole after serving one quarter of the 25-year sentence. Fosland noted the average sentence for a female who commits deliberate homicide in Montana is 70 years. The judge said he feels the period of incarceration will give Jensen- Rowe the best chance for rehabilitation. He also feels that a sentence of 25 years is necessary for the protection of the community.

Jensen-Rowe was permitted to embrace family members after the hearing.

The State provided body camera footage and phone call recordings of Jensen- Rowe during the hearing. In one phone call, Jensen- Rowe described where she stabbed her sister. In another phone conversation, she mentioned a fight over an iPad and an argument that led to the stabbing.

Assistant Attorney General Caitlin Creighton recommended that Jensen-Rowe be sentenced to 50 years with 25 years suspended for deliberate homicide and 10 years with none suspended for tampering with evidence. She recommended the sentences to run concurrently. Defense attorney Gerald Harris said having Jensen- Rowe testify was a consideration, but the defendant wished not to testify.

Harris discussed the importance of uniformity in sentencing. He said uniformity is difficult in this case because not many defendants are teens, first-time felons and were involuntary intoxicated.

Harris requested that the judge takes into consideration the full person and her full history. Harris said every case is unique and every defendant brings something different. He described Jensen- Rowe as a young lady who didn’t have the privileges of many people in this state and country. He added that she was a victim of a crime that wasn’t probably properly investigated.

The attorney said the recorded phone calls don’t disprove Jensen-Rowe’s statements that she doesn’t remember everything that happened that night. It’s possible she could be repeating after reading charging documents. “We don’t know,” Harris said.

He added that because a blood draw wasn’t given on that night, it is unknown which chemicals were in her body. He also said that it’s a unique case because Jensen- Rowe is also in some respects a victim because her sister is gone.

Harris requested a sentence of 15 years for deliberate homicide, with five years suspended, and 10 years, all suspended, for tampering with evidence.