MINOT, N.D. (KMOT) - In a case that has gripped the nation for nearly two decades, the murder of 18-year-old college student Anita Knutson was revisited in a special episode of NBC’s Dateline, titled "Murder in Minot," which aired on May 2, 2025. The episode explores the harrowing details surrounding Knutson's tragic death on June 4, 2007, and the subsequent trial of her former roommate, Nichole Rice, who was acquitted of all charges in March 2025.
Anita Knutson was a freshman at Minot State University, studying to become a teacher when her life was cut short. She was found stabbed to death in her apartment by her father, Gordon Knutson, after he became concerned when he could not reach her. The crime scene revealed a bloody knife left in the sink, and despite the lack of forced entry, investigators believed that the murder was committed by someone familiar to Anita, given the circumstances of the crime.
The investigation into Knutson's murder was extensive, with police interviewing more than 40 individuals over the years, including her friends and acquaintances. Despite these efforts, the case remained cold for 15 years, leaving her family and friends desperate for answers. Ryan Chandler, a juror in the trial, shared his emotional experience during a recent interview with Dateline correspondent Blayne Alexander. "It was very hard when after we’d sent out, thanks, and we came to a decision... It was a kind of emotional day thinking about, yeah, one family is going to be back together," he recounted, reflecting on the gravity of their verdict.
In 2022, after years of investigation, Minot police arrested Nichole Rice, who had been Anita's roommate at the time of her death. The trial was moved to Grand Forks due to the high-profile nature of the case. Prosecutors argued that Rice and Knutson had a strained relationship, often getting into arguments, which could have led to the tragic events. However, Rice's defense team maintained that she was at her parents' farmhouse during the time of the murder.
During the trial, it was revealed that Rice had allegedly confessed to the crime while intoxicated at a party in 2008, but later denied the claim. William May, Rice's former boyfriend, testified that she had admitted to killing Anita, saying, "The comment was that, from Nichole Rice, it was that she had did it, that she had killed Anita." Despite these allegations, the jury ultimately found Rice not guilty after four hours of deliberation on March 26, 2025.
The verdict sparked a wave of emotions in the courtroom, particularly among Anita's family. As Chandler noted, the decision left Anita's family without the closure they had sought for so long. "Parents are in their 90s... knowing that this, they got their hopes up three years ago when they made charges," he said, emphasizing the heavy burden placed on the Knutson family.
The Dateline episode not only revisits the events surrounding Knutson's murder but also features interviews with law enforcement officials, family members, and friends, providing a comprehensive look at the impact of this tragedy. Blayne Alexander, who reported on the case, stated, "The town is mostly quiet now, but you’ll see them, these weather-worn pink ribbons, a faded photograph of a young woman — reminders of a mystery that spanned nearly two decades." This poignant description captures the lingering effects of Knutson's death on the Minot community.
As the episode aired, many viewers were left to grapple with the complexities of the case and the emotional weight it carried for both the victim's family and the accused. The Knutson family, especially, has faced an uphill battle for justice, marked by years of unanswered questions and a painful search for truth.
In the wake of the trial, the community continues to remember Anita Knutson, whose life was tragically cut short. Her aunt, Karen Leier, reflected on the lasting impact of her niece's death, stating, "It’s just something you never, ever can prepare yourself for." The emotional toll on those who loved Anita remains palpable, as they continue to seek solace and understanding in the aftermath of this unresolved tragedy.
As the Dateline episode concluded, it served as a reminder of the complexities surrounding murder cases and the profound effects they have on families and communities. With the case of Anita Knutson still fresh in the minds of many, the quest for justice and closure continues, highlighting the need for ongoing dialogue about the challenges faced by families of victims and the legal system.
Looking ahead, more episodes of Dateline are set to air, including a new episode titled "Secrets of the Sliding Door," which will delve into another tragic story. As the series continues to explore the intricacies of crime and justice, viewers are encouraged to engage with these narratives, reflecting on the human experiences behind each case.
For those wishing to revisit the episode or learn more about Anita Knutson's story, it is available for streaming on Peacock, ensuring that her memory and the quest for justice remain alive in the hearts of viewers.
