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Miranda Michelle Sanow, 27, of St. Paul, was convicted on July 8 of third degree murder in relation to the death of Justin Rops in 2022. A charge of third degree sale of fentanyl, a felony, was dismissed.
Sanow was sentenced to 11 years and two months imprisonment with the term stayed for 11 years and two months. She will serve one year in jail and was placed on probation for 11 years and two months. She must pay $13,072.24 in restitution and a $2,000 fine plus fees and surcharges, for a total amount due of $15,157.24. A list of other conditions also applies.
Sanow was charged with the crimes in April of 2024 and pleaded guilty in August of 2024, admitting that she sold Rops the fentanyl that caused his death and indicating that she purchased the fentanyl from Breeann Lenore Krueger. A plea agreement entered in August included that Sanow cooperate in the case against Krueger, who was sentenced in June to nine years and nine months imprisonment.
During Sanow’s sentencing hearing in Pipestone County District Court on July 8, videos and photos of Rops and his family and friends were shown, and several victim impact statements from his family and friends were presented. Some statements were made personally, such as those by Rops’ mother, Tish Kalla, who said that many lives had been shattered by her son’s death. Most statements were read by Assistant Attorney General Leah Erickson.
The statements included memories of Rops and described him as a young man who had plans to be married, get a dog and become a special education teacher. The statements also described him as a man who loved sports and was athletic, goofy, shy, timid, fun loving, humble, hard working, calm, gentle, kind hearted, respectful, thoughtful, considerate, and someone who could get along with anyone and who put others first.
His family and friends said his death was heartbreaking, tragic, unbearable and senseless.
“Justin didn’t deserve to die and the world is a darker place without him in it,” said his girlfriend, Laura Rudie, who said he was the love of her life.
Sanow apologized to Rops’ family and friends prior to Judge Kayla Johnson delivering the sentence. She said she would live with what happened for the rest of her life and wished she could go back and change it.
“I never meant for this to happen,” Sanow said. “I never meant to hurt anyone.”
Her attorney, Cody Wright, said Sanow had turned her life around, stuck with treatment, remained sober, and found a career. Erickson said Sanow had exceeded her expectations. Judge Johnson said she hoped they were right about her and that she takes the opportunity she’s been given and moves forward.