Otter Tail County (trfnews.i234.me) – In a harrowing case from March 2022, Alicia Alaniz, 31, of Frazee, Minnesota, was sentenced to 90 days in jail after a woman reported being kidnapped and forced to dig her own grave. Alaniz was initially charged with kidnapping, terroristic threats, and two counts of fifth-degree assault. She was convicted on one count of fifth-degree assault, with the other charges dismissed.
According to court documents, the victim had asked Alaniz for a ride from Fargo to her apartment in Detroit Lakes. Upon arrival, she found the locks changed and broke a window to enter. Alaniz later returned, confronted the woman, and, along with Mariah Bunker and Joshua Adams, drove her to a rural area. There, Alaniz allegedly handed the victim a shovel and ordered her to dig her own grave. The woman reported being punched and forced to remove her shirt. Alaniz then mixed their blood into a jar while chanting in Spanish.
The victim managed to escape and sought help from a nearby residence. Deputies later found evidence at the scene, including a freshly dug hole and a jar matching the victim’s description. Alaniz and Adams were located near Wadena, Minnesota, with the victim’s shirt found in their vehicle.
Alaniz claimed the victim was suicidal and denied forcing her to dig a grave. Bunker and Adams initially denied involvement but later acknowledged being present during the incident.
Did You Know?
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In Minnesota, fifth-degree assault is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
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Kidnapping and terroristic threats are felony charges that can result in significant prison time if convicted.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.