Bird Island man found guilty Monday of conspiracy to commit murder and other felonies

After a two-day trial, a Bird Island man, Scott William Mooney, age 27, was found guilty of Conspiracy to Commit Murder in the First Degree by Arson, Conspiracy to Commit Arson, and Threats of Violence.  The jury, comprised of 8 men and 4 women, deliberated for less than 10 minutes before delivering the three guilty verdicts. 

According to the criminal complaint and testimony at trial, during August, 2021, Mooney made various threats of violence to the victim, including threats to have gang members murder the victim by physical violence, and by setting fire to the victim’s apartment.  Mooney then electronically sent money to a co-conspirator to carry out the act. 

The co-conspirator accepted the payment and provided information about when he would arrive.  Believing he knew when the co-conspirator would arrive, Mooney worked toward setting up an alibi.  However, the co-conspirator never arrived and no actual murder or arson occurred.

In her closing argument, County Attorney Kingstrom stated, “Mr. Mooney had completed his side of the agreement and needed to do nothing more but sit and wait, which he did. Thankfully, the co-conspirator did not make it to Renville County and the victim is still alive today.”

Mooney will be sentenced on June 9, 2022 at 3:15 p.m. at the Renville County Courthouse. Mooney is facing up to 20 years in prison.