ND - Anita Knutson, 18, murdered, Minot, 4 June 2007 *Roommate Arrested*

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Nichole Rice trial to likely move out of Ward County

Ward County prosecutors and attorneys for the person charged with the 2007 killing of Anita Knutson have asked a judge to move the trial outside of Ward County.

www.kfyrtv.com

MINOT, N.D. (KFYR) - UPDATE (5/29/2024 at 7:15 p.m.): Prosecutors and the defense both agree that it would be unlikely that the woman accused of killing her college roommate in 2007 could get a fair trial in Ward County.

Nichole Rice is charged with murdering Anita Knutson, and her attorneys are seeking a change of venue.

Last month, attorneys sent out 120 juror questionnaires to Ward County residents. Prosecutors and Nichole Rice’s defense attorney say they hoped the 49-question document would narrow down jurors. It narrowed it down so much that they say the trial can’t happen in Ward County.

Ward County prosecutor Tiffany Sorgen and Rice’s attorney Philip Becher said answers from the joint questionnaire indicated at least 70 people needed to be eliminated from the jury pool.

“That seems like a lot more excusals than I had planned for,” said Judge Richard Hagar.

 

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Last month the state and defense told the courts it was unlikely Rice would receive a fair trial in Ward County, following the results of a questionnaire sent out to potential jurors.

An order granting a change of venue was filed with the courts Friday, though it’s unclear where the trial will be moved, or when it will take place.

As of Friday afternoon the July 15 commencement of jury selection had not changed on the online court docket, but both the state and defense asked the courts this week to continue the trial dates.

Change of venue approved for trial in death of Anita Knutson

Last month the state and defense told the courts it was unlikely Nichole Rice would receive a fair trial in Ward County, following the results of a questionnaire sent out to potential jurors.

www.kfyrtv.com