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A Minnesota man has been charged with second-degree manslaughter after his girlfriend died following a crash and an hours-long delay in seeking help — an incident prosecutors say violated an existing no-contact order and underscores difficult legal and safety questions around domestic violence. The case, unfolding in early May, raises fresh concerns about how restraining orders affect emergency decisions and accountability.
Allegations and timeline
According to court records, 33-year-old Allen Michael Alberts and his 40-year-old girlfriend, Nichole Shoultz, left a bar in the predawn hours of May 2. The pair argued while Alberts was driving; the disagreement reportedly escalated into a physical confrontation.
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Investigators say Alberts stopped the pickup and exited the vehicle. Shoultz took the wheel and drove away but crashed about half a mile from their shared home. Officers allege she was ejected from the truck and found in a nearby field.
Prosecutors contend Alberts searched briefly, then returned home. He later drove back, located Shoultz unconscious, and — rather than summon emergency services — brought her to his residence. Police say he placed her in the bathtub and attempted to revive her. Nearly three hours later he called his mother to help move Shoultz to a couch; she was no longer breathing and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Charges and custody
Alberts faces charges for second-degree manslaughter and for violating a no-contact order that stemmed from an alleged March 1 incident in which he is accused of strangling Shoultz. Court filings indicate Alberts did not call 911 after finding her because he feared contacting her would violate the order.
He is being held at the Otter Tail County Detention Center on $500,000 bond. His next scheduled court appearance is May 18. As the case proceeds, prosecutors will need to establish the connection between alleged actions or omissions and Shoultz’s death; the defense has the opportunity to respond in court.
- Date of incident: Early morning, May 2
- People involved: Allen Michael Alberts, 33; Nichole Shoultz, 40
- Allegations: Physical altercation, violation of no-contact order, failure to summon timely medical assistance
- Charges filed: Second-degree manslaughter; no-contact order violation
- Custody status: Held on $500,000 bond; next hearing May 18
What this means now
The case touches on several broader issues. At the most immediate level, it illustrates how domestic disputes can quickly lead to criminal investigations when one party dies. It also highlights a recurring concern in domestic violence cases: whether legal restrictions, like no-contact orders, might inadvertently deter people from calling for help.
Legally, second-degree manslaughter charges typically allege that a person’s reckless or negligent actions caused another’s death, rather than an intentional killing. Prosecutors must prove the link between the defendant’s conduct and the fatal outcome. Defense attorneys frequently emphasize intent and state of mind; the court will sort those disputes through discovery, hearings and, if necessary, a trial.
For the public and for victims’ advocates, the outcome may prompt renewed discussion about how restraining orders are worded and enforced — and how to ensure they protect victims without preventing lifesaving emergency responses.
What to watch
- May 18 court hearing: possible pretrial motions, bail review or scheduling of further proceedings
- Prosecutor disclosures: autopsy findings and investigative reports that clarify cause of death and timeline
- Defense filings: any counterarguments about circumstances, intent or compliance with legal obligations
Authorities have not released additional public statements beyond the court documents. Alberts is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
