Grand Forks County (trfnews.i234.me) In a case that has gripped the attention of North Dakota for nearly two decades, Nichole Rice, 37, was acquitted of the 2007 murder of her Minot State University roommate, Anita Knutson, 18. The trial, relocated to the Grand Forks County Courthouse due to extensive pretrial publicity in Minot.
The Crime and Investigation
In June 2007, Anita Knutson was found stabbed to death in her off-campus apartment in Minot. Her body was discovered by her father and two apartment maintenance workers, sparking a thorough investigation. Despite being a person of interest, Rice was not arrested until March 2022, as authorities cited insufficient evidence at the time.
The Trial
The trial commenced in Grand Forks County, where prosecutors presented evidence including alleged confessions from Rice and inconsistencies in her statements. However, defense attorneys argued that the case lacked concrete physical evidence linking Rice to the crime, suggesting that media pressure influenced the charges.
The Verdict
After deliberating for just over five hours, the jury returned a not-guilty verdict. The courtroom erupted in emotion as Rice, her family, and friends embraced, many in tears. Rice’s acquittal has sparked reactions from various quarters, with some expressing skepticism about the verdict due to the lack of physical evidence.
Community and National Impact
The case has had a profound impact on the Minot community and beyond. Friends and family of both Knutson and Rice have expressed a range of emotions, from grief to relief. The trial’s national coverage has sparked discussions about the complexities of cold cases and the challenges of securing convictions without physical evidence.
Did You Know?
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Nichole Rice, accused of murdering her Minot State University roommate in 2007, was found not guilty on March 26, 2025.
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Rice, 37, had been accused of stabbing Anita Knutson, 18, in 2007.
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Jury deliberations in the nearly two-decade-old case began on Tuesday.
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Rice was arrested for the murder in 2022.
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The trial was relocated to the Grand Forks County Courthouse due to the case’s publicity.
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In June 2007, Anita Knutson was found stabbed to death in her off-campus apartment.
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Her body was discovered by her father and two apartment maintenance workers.
I’m Chris Harper, and I’m reporting for TRF News.