Interim Minot Police Chief Dale Plessas has released a statement regarding the jury’s not guilty verdict in the trial of Nichole Rice for the 2007 murder of Anita Knutson on Wednesday in Grand Forks.

“First and foremost, our thoughts are with Anita Knutson’s family and loved ones. This case has had a lasting impact on our community, and I recognize the emotional toll it has taken on so many people,” Plessas said.

Plessas said the Minot Police Department respects the role of the jury in the judicial process, and that while law enforcement’s role is to investigate and present evidence, it is ultimately up to the court to determine the outcome.

“We remain committed to our duty of seeking justice, and serving this community with integrity,” Plessas said.

The investigation into Knutson’s death yielded no arrests for nearly 15 years until Rice was charged in March 2022. Plessas indicated that given the not guilty verdict, there are no further developments that the MPD can comment on regarding the future of the case.

“However, as with any unsolved case, we remain open to reviewing any new credible information that may come forward,” Plessas’ statement concluded.