Dateline NBC: "Murder in Minot" — Detailed Summary

Episode Overview: "Murder in Minot" is a gripping episode of Dateline NBC released on May 6, 2025. Hosted by Nicole Rice and Lester Holt, this episode delves into the tragic and enduring mystery surrounding the 2007 murder of Anita Knutson, a beloved college student from Minot, North Dakota. The case remains unsolved for nearly two decades, with persistent efforts by family and friends to seek justice. The episode combines in-depth investigations, personal testimonies, and the impact of media involvement in the quest to uncover the truth.

1. Introduction to the Tragedy

The episode opens with Lester Holt setting the scene in the quiet town of Minot, North Dakota. The small community is haunted by the unsolved murder of Anita Knutson, a popular 18-year-old college student found dead in her apartment on June 3, 2007.

[02:30] Lester Holt: "The town is mostly quiet now...no one here can forget. Reminders of what this place has been through. Of a mystery that spanned nearly two decades."

2. The Victim: Anita Knutson

Anita Knutson was a vibrant and well-loved individual, cherished by friends and family alike. Raised in the tiny town of Butte, North Dakota, Anita moved to Minot for college, where she pursued a degree in elementary education. She was known for her positive spirit, generosity, and ability to connect with everyone around her.

[10:02] Jenna Bush Hager: "What stands out to you the most about her funeral? I think just how many people were there to celebrate my sister...she truly was so well loved."

3. The Night of the Murder and Initial Investigation

On the evening of June 3, 2007, Anita failed to return home, prompting her father, Gordon Knutson, to check on her. He discovered Anita lying face down in her bed with signs of a violent struggle. The police were immediately dispatched to the scene. Initial observations suggested Anita had been stabbed twice in the chest and sternum, with evidence pointing away from a burglary.

[07:27] Lester Holt: "Somebody is there, kind of in her face, holding the knife to her neck."

4. Suspects and Early Leads

Nicole Thomas, Anita's roommate, was one of the first people questioned. Their relationship had been tumultuous, marked by minor arguments and tension over household items like an alarm clock and a fish tank. Nicole's alibi was inconsistent, with her stories shifting over time, raising suspicions about her involvement.

[32:05] Nicole Rice: "We learned that they had kind of a poor relationship, that there was some minor fights and some arguing between the two of them."

Another early suspect was Tyler Schmaltz, a friend who had a well-known crush on Anita. Despite his close proximity to the crime scene and initial suspicions, Tyler was eventually cleared due to alibi verification.

[36:24] Nicole Rice: "He was somebody that kind of always was in our minds. Could he have been involved?"

Additionally, Michael Vann, the last person Anita texted before her death, became a person of interest. However, his alibi and subsequent death in 2009 further complicated the investigation.

[20:04] Lester Holt: "Tyler Schmaltz was a decent guy. He was very cooperative with us."

5. Breakthrough Attempts and Cold Case Status

Despite numerous leads and tips, including the elusive "running man" seen fleeing the scene, the case remained unsolved. DNA evidence was inconclusive, and suspects either had alibis or lacked substantial evidence linking them to the crime. Over the years, the case grew cold, with key witnesses passing away and new leads drying up.

[48:08] Nicole Rice: "She was definitely a loose end that we needed to tie up."

6. Media Involvement and Renewed Investigation

In an attempt to revive the stagnant case, Anita's family and friends reached out to the true-crime television show Cold Justice. After several years and numerous petitions, the show agreed to take on Anita's case in 2022, bringing fresh perspectives and renewed media attention to the investigation.

[56:51] Nicole Rice: "He was so involved. It was shaping up to be something more than just another suspect."

The partnership between Cold Justice and the Minot Police Department led to renewed efforts, including revisiting old evidence and questioning long-standing suspects like Nicole Thomas Rice once more.

7. The Arrest of Nicole Thomas Rice

A pivotal moment occurred when William May, Nicole's then-boyfriend, came forward with allegations that Nicole had confessed to killing Anita during a drunken party. Although initially dismissed, these claims were later corroborated, leading authorities to charge Nicole with Anita's murder.

[72:10] Nicole Rice: "Nicole and I were sitting on the couch...she had gotten into an argument and had stabbed her."

During the trial, the prosecution focused on Nicole's access to the apartment, the toxic relationship with Anita, and the inconsistent alibi. However, the defense argued that the media pressure and procedural mishandlings had biased the investigation against Nicole.

[73:37] Nicole Rice: "It's pressure from a TV show. They put an incredible amount of pressure to bring charges in this case."

8. The Trial and Verdict

After six days of intense testimony, the jury deliberated and ultimately found Nicole Aaron Rice not guilty of the murder charges. The acquittal was a devastating blow to Anita's family, who felt that justice had not been served despite decades of persistence.

[83:06] Lester Holt: "We testified emotionally. We sincerely apologize to anyone who was offended, especially to Anita Knutson's family."

9. Aftermath and Continuing Impact

The unresolved nature of Anita's murder continues to haunt her loved ones. Her sister, Anna Knutson, and other family members maintain their quest for answers, refusing to let the case fade from public consciousness. The episode highlights the enduring pain of the family and the community's desire for closure.

[85:22] Lester Holt: "If there's one thing Minot police did not lack, it was tips...who was that running man seen by Anita's apartment around the time of her death?"

Anita’s legacy lives on in the small town of Butte, where pink ribbons and memorials serve as a constant reminder of her vibrant spirit and the unsolved mystery that continues to affect the community.

Notable Quotes with Speaker Attribution and Timestamps

• Lester Holt (02:30): "The town is mostly quiet now...no one here can forget. Reminders of what this place has been through. Of a mystery that spanned nearly two decades."

• Jenna Bush Hager (10:02): "What stands out to you the most about her funeral? I think just how many people were there to celebrate my sister...she truly was so well loved."

• Lester Holt (07:27): "Somebody is there, kind of in her face, holding the knife to her neck."

• Nicole Rice (32:05): "We learned that they had kind of a poor relationship, that there was some minor fights and some arguing between the two of them."

• Nicole Rice (48:08): "She was definitely a loose end that we needed to tie up."

• Nicole Rice (73:37): "It's pressure from a TV show. They put an incredible amount of pressure to bring charges in this case."

• Lester Holt (83:06): "We testified emotionally. We sincerely apologize to anyone who was offended, especially to Anita Knutson's family."

Conclusion

"Murder in Minot" underscores the profound impact of an unsolved crime on a small community and the relentless pursuit of justice by those left behind. Through personal accounts, investigative challenges, and the influence of media, the episode paints a comprehensive picture of a case that remains shrouded in mystery. Anita Knutson's story serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring quest for truth and closure in the face of tragedy.