The state denies the defense's request to postpone the trial for the murder of Anita Knutson

MINOT, N.D. (KMOT) – Prosecutors are asking the court to continue the trial of Nichole Rice, charged in the 2007 death of Anita Knutson, as scheduled for January in Grand Forks.

Earlier this month, we reported that the Sand Law Firm filed a motion to continue Rice's case.

The firm said its reasons for requesting a continuance include consultation with an expert regarding evidence on Knutson's body, senior attorney Philip Becher's departure from the firm and an ongoing investigation into current Minot Police Chief John Klug's conduct during his tenure have called. Klug is a witness in the case and was with the department when Knutson was killed but did not become police chief until 2020.

In a response filed Wednesday, the state responded that the question of whether there was evidence on Knutson's body had no real significance. The state also said the law firm still had plenty of time to prepare for the case before the January trial and that the investigation into Klug's leadership of the police department was completely irrelevant to the question of the defendant's guilt.

In its response, the state also pointed to a statement from a representative of Anita Knutson's family who said they were in “disbelief” that the defense was trying to restart the trial. The family representative said the trial has taken an emotional toll on their family and they have already made plans to attend the trial in Grand Forks.

The state also asked the court to schedule a hearing on the matter.

The trial is currently scheduled to begin Jan. 6 in Grand Forks.

Related content: Continuing coverage of the Anita Knutson cold case

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