Nichole Erin Rice is standing trial almost three years to the date of her March 2022, arrest in the death of her roommate, 18-year-old Anita Knutson. Rice was working as a civilian at Minot Air Force Base when she was arrested. Rice is charged with AA felony murder in Knutson's death. Anita Knutson was found stabbed to death in her bed in a Minot, North Dakota apartment on June 4, 2007. The window screen in Knutson's room was cut, but officers said they believed that was done to make the killing look like a break-in. Nothing of value was taken from the bedroom, but a pocket knife with dried blood on it was found near Knutson. At the time of the murder, the two women lived together, though friends said the two had a strained relationship. Rice allegedly made a confession to the murder in 2008 or 2009 to her ex-boyfriend. However, the defense claims a Montana man is responsible for Knutson's death because there were reports of a man who matched his appearance running from the crime scene. If found guilty, Rice could be sentenced to a maximum of life in prison without parole.