Rochester Man’s Sentencing Date for Wabasha County Murder Set

Wabasha, MN (KROC-AM News)- A sentencing date has been set for a Rochester man, who was convicted in a southeast Minnesota murder case. 

Read More: Plea Deal for Rochester Man Charged in Wabasha County Murder Case 

45-year-old Craig Alan Hameister entered a plea agreement last week for the death of 34-year-old Melissa Nicole Hunt.

The criminal complaint in the case indicates Hunt identified Hameister as her killer during her final moments. 

May Sentencing Set for Rochester Man Convicted in Wabasha County Murder Case

Hunt was found suffering from significant facial injuries, including missing teeth and a portion of her jaw in the driveway of a residence in Kellogg last June. 

She told deputies that “Craig” had struck her with a stick. She then tried to say his last name but was unable to complete it and began spelling it, which allowed deputies to confirm she was trying to identify Hameister. 

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The charges say Hunt indicated Hameister assaulted her at the new boat launch in rural Kellogg and stated that Hameister lived at a residence near Chatfield. She died from her injuries about 90 minutes after first responders found her. 

Evidence Discovered During Search

Investigators discovered an unspent 9mm round during a search at the boat launch, the complaint says. The autopsy report indicated that gunshot residue was found embedded in the wound on her face. 

Authorities found Hameister's pickup truck at the Chatfield-area residence and spotted a 9mm bullet on the floor of the vehicle, the complaint says. 

A resident at the property told investigators that Hameister appeared “very frantic” and said “something bad happened” and “the cops would be coming” before he left on a motorcycle. 

See Also: Minnesota Man Killed in Snowmobile Crash 

The witness also reported that a 9mm handgun was missing, according to the court document. 

Murder Suspect Captured After Standoff East of Rochester

Law enforcement later apprehended Hameister after an hours-long standoff near an Olmsted County park. He had climbed into a tree in an attempt to avoid arrest, and a 9mm handgun was found at the base of the tree. 

Residents in the area were placed under a shelter in place order during the ordeal. 

During a hearing on Monday, Hameister agreed to enter a guilty plea to one count of second-degree murder in exchange for the dismissal of the another murder charge. 

He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 11. The plea deal calls for a 34-year prison sentence.