Sabrina Schnoor
Jason Horner (Owatonna police) and Sabrina Schnoor (GoFundMe)

Minnesota Man Shot Ex-Girlfriend in the Mouth After Tricking Her Onto Train Tracks

A man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for the murder of his ex-girlfriend, 25-year-old Sabrina Schnoor, bringing a measure of accountability in a case marked by warning signs, fear, and devastating loss.

Jason Lee Horner, 41, was sentenced this week and ordered to pay $7,000 in restitution to Schnoor’s family. In addition to the murder conviction, Horner received a separate five-year prison sentence for a firearms charge. That sentence will be served concurrently with the murder sentence, according to court records.

Court documents paint a troubling picture of the relationship leading up to Schnoor’s death. Prosecutors said Horner had a documented history of abusing Schnoor and had previously threatened to kill her. Despite repeated warnings from friends, Schnoor agreed to meet with him one last time because she believed he was about to go to prison.

Out of concern for her safety, Schnoor took precautions. She shared her live location with friends using the Life360 app before meeting Horner. When she failed to respond the following day, her friends used the app to track her location. They ultimately found her body, confirming their worst fears, according to KSTP.

During sentencing, loved ones described Schnoor in emotional victim impact statements, remembering her as “kind and loyal,” with a pure heart and a contagious smile. Family and friends said her generosity and warmth made her deeply loved, and her death has left an irreplaceable void.

The case has renewed attention on the dangers faced by victims of domestic violence, particularly when attempting to leave abusive relationships. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, more than 12 million people in the United States are affected by domestic violence each year.

Advocates emphasize that threats and prior abuse should always be taken seriously and that victims are often at greatest risk when they try to separate from an abuser. Friends and family are encouraged to trust their instincts and continue offering support, even when victims feel conflicted or hopeful about reconciliation, reports from KAAL.

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, help is available. For immediate assistance, contact:

  • The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233
  • Minnesota Day One at 866-223-1111
  • The Women’s Advocates crisis line at 651-227-8284

These organizations can help connect victims to safe shelter, advocacy, legal assistance, and support groups. The National Domestic Violence Hotline also provides guidance on recognizing abuse and supporting victims.

Additional resources include:

  • Violence Free Minnesota at 651-646-6177 or 800-289-6177
  • STANDPOINT (formerly the Battered Women’s Legal Advocacy Project) at 612-343-9842
  • Mending the Sacred Hoop at 888-305-1650
  • Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault at 612-209-9993

Advocates say awareness, early intervention, and access to support can save lives.

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