Jurors in the Nichole Rice murder trial were shown police video from inside the Minot apartment where 18-year-old Anita Knutson was found stabbed to death in 2007.
On Thursday, during the trial’s third day, prosecutors played crime scene footage, showing Knutson’s body on her bed. Police say the scene was staged to look like a break-in. Investigators believe Rice, Knutson’s roommate, killed her after their friendship turned toxic over disputes involving a fish tank and an alarm clock.
A former detective testified that Rice was always a person of interest. “She was always in the picture,” he said. “We always had doubts.”
Two of Rice’s former co-workers also testified. One said Rice refused to return to the apartment when police discovered the body. Another said they felt afraid of Rice, describing her growing anger toward Knutson.
Rice was arrested in 2022, nearly 15 years after the murder. The trial was moved to Grand Forks due to pretrial publicity.”
