Jail time for Alexandria mom serves as warning to parents who host underage parties

ALEXANDRIA, Minn. (KMSP) - It’s been almost a year since a two-day house party hosted by a mother in Alexandria ended in a drunken driving accident for three teenagers in Alexandria, Minn., killing one and injuring two others. Prosecutors are hoping her stiff sentence will send a message to other parents who allow underage drinking parties at their house.

46-year-old Jennifer Kulzer allowed her 15-year-old daughter to host the two-day party on the family’s property, according to court documents. 

Investigators say not only was Kulzer aware of the underage drinking, but she even socialized with those who showed up.

Despite the happy go lucky mood, however, the party would soon take a tragic turn.

Just before 3 a.m. on the morning of October 17, 2014, three teens decided to leave. Blood alcohol tests would later show all three had been drinking when their Chevy pickup veered off County Rd 23 outside Alexandria.

Michael Schluter, 17, died at the scene and Jonathan Salto, 17, and Jordan Gruineich, 17, would both suffer serious injuries.

Investigators say there was not sufficient evidence to figure out who was driving. The only charges filed were against Kulzer, who was convicted of a gross-misdemeanor in September and sentenced to one year in jail, one year of probation and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine.

Her jail sentence was later reduced to ten days. However, it’s still a stiff punishment that prosecutors hope sends a message.

“This was about the responsibility of the defendant for failing to take precautions to stop these kids from drinking,” Douglas County attorney Chad Larson said.

Prosecutors told Fox 9 there is also a civil case in the works.