A Hennepin County jury on Friday found U.S. Senate candidate Marisa Christina Simonetti guilty of three charges stemming from a June 2024 confrontation involving a tarantula at her Edina home, while police in Petersburg, Virginia, continue to investigate a Sunday evening shooting that left a woman seriously injured, and parts of Arizona prepare for dangerously high temperatures later this week.
Simonetti Convicted in Edina Tarantula Case
Marisa Christina Simonetti, 32, a U.S. Senate candidate, was convicted Friday, March 13, 2026, by a Hennepin County jury on three charges related to a dispute with a tenant at her Edina home. The incident, which occurred in June 2024, gained significant attention after a tarantula was thrown down a stairwell.
Jurors found Simonetti guilty of gross misdemeanor harassment, specifically causing reasonable fear of substantial bodily harm. She also faced convictions for misdemeanor domestic assault and misdemeanor disorderly conduct. The verdicts followed a three-day trial in Hennepin County District Court in Minneapolis.
The case centered on a June 21, 2024, incident at Simonetti's Edina residence. Jacklyn Vasquez had rented a basement living space through Airbnb. The conflict escalated after Vasquez inquired about hiring pest control for spiders in her unit. Prosecutors alleged the confrontation culminated with Simonetti throwing objects and releasing a tarantula down the stairwell.
A video recorded by Vasquez, presented to jurors during the trial, captured part of the encounter, showing Simonetti tossing the spider and shouting while throwing items. Police had reportedly been called to the home before this specific June 21 confrontation.
Simonetti represented herself during the trial, having waived her right to legal counsel. She chose not to testify. During closing arguments on Thursday, prosecutor Nicole Appelbaum argued Simonetti's actions were intentional, stating, “You know it was intentional because she went out and bought a tarantula. Those aren’t accidents. Those are intentional acts.” Appelbaum contended the actions were meant to cause fear and emotional distress.
Simonetti, in her defense, told jurors the state had not proven criminal intent beyond a reasonable doubt. She acknowledged the video evidence didn't reflect well on her. “One thing I will concede is these actions appear quite outrageous,” Simonetti said. “I’m quite embarrassed, and the situation certainly appears to have been mishandled.”
Judge Jennifer Olson has ordered a pre-sentence investigation. Sentencing for Simonetti is scheduled for May 1 at 8:30 a.m. at the Hennepin County Government Center.
Petersburg Police Investigate Sunday Evening Shooting
Petersburg, Virginia, police are investigating a shooting that left a woman with serious injuries on Sunday evening, March 15, 2026. The incident happened just before 6:30 p.m. near Legends Park, according to Crime Insider sources.
The victim, a woman, was shot in the back. Emergency communications recordings confirmed the time of the shooting. She was transported to an area hospital, where her injuries were described as serious.
Officers were conducting an investigation in the vicinity of Legends Park on Johnson Road and the 1900 block of Chuckatuck Avenue. Petersburg Police announced road closures on social media around 7:30 p.m., blocking Johnson Road between Johnson Avenue and South Boulevard, as well as Chuckatuck Avenue between South Boulevard and Johnson Avenue.
Authorities urged drivers to avoid the area due to a heavy police presence in the neighborhood. As of the latest update, police have not released any suspect information or additional details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Detectives are asking for the public's help. Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should contact Petersburg Police at 804-732-4222 or Petersburg/Dinwiddie Crime Solvers at 804-861-1212. Tips can also be submitted by texting the keyword 'pdcash' followed by the tip to 274637.
Extreme Heat Watch Issued for Southern Arizona
Southern Arizona residents are preparing for an Extreme Heat Watch starting Thursday morning through Sunday evening. Dangerously hot conditions are expected, with high temperatures possibly reaching between 100 and 108 degrees Fahrenheit.
The National Weather Service has identified Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21, as the hottest days during this period. The watch covers South Central Pinal County, Southeast Pinal County, the Tohono O'odham Nation, the Tucson Metro Area, and Western Pima County.
Heat-related illnesses spike during extreme heat events like this one. People unfamiliar with extreme heat—visitors, seasonal residents, and others—need to be especially careful.
Stay indoors during peak heat hours. Never leave kids or pets in parked cars—interiors hit deadly temperatures in minutes. Those who work or spend time outside should take extra care.
Move heavy exercise to early morning or evening if you can. Know what heat exhaustion and heat stroke look like. Wearing lightweight and loose-fitting clothing and drinking plenty of water are also recommended.
OSHA recommends outdoor workers take frequent breaks in shade or AC to stay safe. Get someone suffering from heat to a cool, shaded spot right away. Heat stroke is a medical emergency, and 911 should be called without delay.
Heat stroke is an emergency, and anyone experiencing symptoms should have 911 called immediately.
