Decade-Old Murder Case Resurfaces: Nichole Rice Arrested
Nichole Rice has been arrested and charged with the murder of her college roommate, Anita Knutson, 15 years after the tragic incident that left a lasting impact on the Minot State University community.
Details of the Crime
On June 4, 2007, Anita Knutson, a promising student, was discovered deceased in her bed by her father in their apartment located off-campus in North Dakota. The autopsy revealed that she succumbed to two fatal stab wounds to her chest. The case initially garnered significant media attention but soon went cold, leaving friends and family searching for answers.
New Developments in the Investigation
For over a decade, the investigation of Knutson’s murder stalled until a 2022 episode of the Oxygen TV show Cold Justice reignited interest in the case. The program proposed that Rice may have killed her roommate in a moment of rage, prompting a deeper examination of the evidence.
Arrest and Trial of Nichole Rice
In March 2022, Rice was arrested based on renewed evidence, including alleged confessions made during intoxicated discussions with friends. She consistently maintained her innocence, pleading not guilty to the charges against her.
The trial commenced on March 18, 2025, and concluded with a shocking not guilty verdict on March 26, 2025, leaving Knutson’s family and friends devastated.
Insights into Nichole Rice: The Accused
At the time of the murder, Nichole Thomas (now Rice) was living with Knutson. While they initially appeared to be friends, tensions arose regarding everyday nuisances such as alarm clocks and pet fish, leading to significant strife in their relationship.
Former co-workers from an eTelecare call center recounted incidents where Rice expressed her anger concerning her roommate. According to testimony, she vented about being locked out of the Wi-Fi and complained about Knutson’s behavior.
The Alleged Arguments
Witnesses testified that the tension between Rice and Knutson escalated over issues such as the maintenance of a fish tank, which Rice was reluctant to part with. These small disputes were indicated as underlying factors that may have contributed to a volatile environment in their home.
A Window into Their Lives
Although the relationship showed signs of distress, investigators initially had insufficient evidence to pinpoint Rice as a primary suspect. The murder remained unsolved until new information came to light following the Cold Justice episode.
Anita Knutson: A Life Remembered
Anita Knutson was born on September 22, 1988, in Orange County, California, and was later adopted by a loving family. She was known for her charisma, intelligence, and artistry, pursuing a degree in elementary education at Minot State University. Her family described her as a beacon of joy and support for others, particularly those who were bullied.
The Impact of Her Death
Knutson’s murder sent shockwaves through her family and friends, leaving them grappling with unanswered questions and the haunting grief of losing their beloved daughter and sister. Following her tragic death, her brother Daniel also ended his life in 2013, adding to the profound sorrow experienced by the Knutson family.
Why Was Nichole Rice Arrested?
In the wake of renewed interest sparked by the Cold Justice series, investigators reevaluated forensics and Rice’s statements. During a press conference, the Minot Police Department revealed that inconsistencies in Rice’s alibi and witness accounts—including alleged confessions made during intoxicated states—prompted new charges.
Trial Testimonies and Outcomes
Throughout the trial, prosecutors argued that Rice acted out of rage due to ongoing disputes with Knutson. Witnesses testified to instances where Rice allegedly confessed to the murder. However, defense attorneys pointed out that there were no official police records documenting these claims, challenging the prosecution’s narrative.
The Verdict
After nearly six hours of deliberation, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty. Rice exhibited an emotional reaction as the verdict was read, leading to accusations of insensitivity from Knutson’s family and the public. Knutson’s sister later expressed her disappointment, emphasizing that a not guilty verdict doesn’t equate to innocence.
Life After the Trial: Where is Nichole Rice Now?
In the aftermath of her acquittal, Rice faced scrutiny regarding her and her legal team’s emotional display in the courtroom. Her attorneys later issued a statement, clarifying that the team had formed a close bond with Rice and her family throughout the lengthy trial process and did not intend to offend.
Rice remains married to Dallas Rice, who supported her throughout the proceedings. The couple has maintained a relatively low profile since Rice’s trial concluded.
The Case Revisited
The story of Nichole Rice and Anita Knutson will continue to ripple through the community as the events surrounding the case are examined in an upcoming episode of Dateline, titled “Murder in Minot,” scheduled to air on May 2. This will serve as another reminder of the unresolved questions surrounding a case that has gripped many.