Cold Case Reopened: Roommate Charged 15 Years After College Murder

MINOT, N.D. (KMOT) – A cold case that has haunted a family for 15 years saw a dramatic turn as Nichole Rice was charged with the murder of her college roommate, Anita Knutson. Knutson was found dead by her father in her off-campus apartment on June 4, 2007, suffering from two stab wounds to the chest.

Despite a thorough investigation, the initial case went cold for over a decade until new evidence came to light in 2022. Key to the renewed investigation was a collaborative effort with the show Cold Justice, which led authorities to reevaluate Rice’s involvement. Rice was arrested in March 2022, months after detectives cited inconsistencies in her alibi and potential confessions made during drinking sessions.

During her trial, which started on March 18, 2025, prosecutors argued that Rice acted out of rage during an argument over trivial matters such as alarm clocks and pet fish. However, Rice maintained her innocence throughout the proceedings, pleading not guilty to the charges against her.

Witnesses provided conflicting testimony about Rice’s possible admissions of guilt. One ex-boyfriend claimed that Rice, while intoxicated, divulged details about the murder during a party in 2008. However, this contention was contested by Rice’s defense, who argued that the prosecution failed to establish a concrete timeline and motive for the alleged crime.

The trial concluded with a jury verdict of not guilty on March 26, 2025, leading to a mix of shock and disappointment among Knutson’s family. Following the verdict, Rice’s emotional reaction sparked backlash, prompting her legal team to apologize to Knutson’s loved ones for the perceived insensitivity during the courtroom celebrations.

Knutson, born on September 22, 1988, was remembered by her family as a vibrant and caring person. The loss of her life and the unresolved nature of her case left a lasting void for her parents, who expressed heartbreak after witnessing the trial’s outcome. The haunting memories of Knutson’s untimely death linger on in the Minot community, especially in light of the recent developments surrounding Rice’s acquittal.