GRAND FORKS, N.D. – In a dramatic turn of events, Nichole Rice was found not guilty by a jury in Grand Forks County District Court on March 26, 2025, for the 2007 stabbing death of her roommate, Anita Knutson. The jury began deliberating on the afternoon of March 25 and reached their verdict the following morning, concluding a nearly two-decade-old cold case that had captivated the community.
The trial, which was moved from Minot to Grand Forks due to extensive media coverage and pretrial publicity, centered around the murder of Knutson, an 18-year-old Minot State University student. The prosecution alleged that Rice, now 37, fatally stabbed Knutson in their shared apartment. Prosecutor Tiffany Sorgen presented a compelling narrative, claiming that Rice had staged the crime scene to make it appear as though there had been a break-in. "Anita's blood was in the cut in the screen and nowhere else on that screen, only in the cut," Sorgen stated during her closing arguments.
Throughout the trial, the prosecution pointed to Rice’s inconsistent accounts regarding her whereabouts on the night of the murder, as well as her alleged knowledge of details about the crime scene that only the killer would know. Witnesses testified that Rice had made threatening statements and had confessed to two people, further complicating her defense.
Rice’s defense attorney, Rick Sand, argued that the state lacked physical evidence, labeling the case as "20 years of hearsay bologna." He emphasized that the prosecution was relying on conjecture rather than solid evidence. "It's 2025. We're taking a cold case with no new physical evidence, no genetic evidence, no DNA," Sand said. He also criticized the police investigation, asserting that the lead investigator had not reviewed the complete case file.
The jury’s deliberation lasted just over three hours on March 25 before resuming the next morning. Upon reaching their verdict, Rice embraced her family outside the courthouse, where they celebrated the outcome with prayer. "I’m just thankful for the truth to come out, and I’m grateful for the support of my family and friends," Rice said.
Former Minot Police Chief John Klug had long considered Rice a person of interest, but it wasn't until 2022 that authorities felt they had enough evidence to arrest her. The trial's move to Grand Forks was a strategic decision to ensure a fair trial, given the intense media scrutiny surrounding the case.
During the trial, the defense called only one witness, a private investigator who reviewed the extensive case files and suggested that the Minot police had mishandled the investigation. This investigator argued that the police failed to adequately explore other potential suspects in the case.
As the jury deliberated, emotions ran high. The case had drawn significant attention, and many in the community were eager to see justice served. However, the defense maintained that Rice was not the only possible culprit, pointing to a lack of direct evidence linking her to the crime.
In her closing arguments, Sorgen painted a vivid picture of the events leading up to the murder, claiming that Rice had a window of opportunity of nine and a half hours to commit the crime. She highlighted the discrepancies in Rice’s stories, suggesting that they indicated guilt. "She told her aunt about the bowl in the bathroom sink and that the killer washed their hands and cleaned up the knife afterward," Sorgen argued.
Sand countered by questioning the credibility of the prosecution's evidence, arguing that it was built on speculation rather than concrete facts. He challenged the notion that Rice could have executed such a complex crime while maintaining a normal life afterward. "They’re trying to say, this is a puzzle with many pieces. No, it’s a murder case, and everybody in here deserves justice, Anita and Nicole, and this isn’t how you get it," he asserted.
The jury's decision to acquit Rice marks a significant moment in a case that has lingered for nearly two decades. The community, still reeling from the loss of Knutson, is left to grapple with the complexities of the legal system and the question of justice. The case serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in prosecuting cold cases, where time can blur the lines of memory and evidence.
As Rice walks free, the impact of this verdict will resonate throughout the community, prompting discussions about the nature of justice and the responsibilities of law enforcement. The trial has not only highlighted the intricacies of the legal process but has also brought to light the personal stories of those involved, reminding us that behind every case are real lives affected by tragedy.
While Rice's acquittal may bring relief to her family, it also leaves lingering questions about who truly was responsible for Knutson's death. As the community seeks closure, the memory of Anita Knutson will remain a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the quest for truth.
