‘Dateline' investigates 2007 murder of North Dakota student Anita Knutson
(NBC) — Friday's all-new two-hour 'Dateline' episode explores the chilling 2007 murder of Anita Knutson, a beloved 18-year-old college student found stabbed to death in her off-campus apartment in North Dakota.
The episode follows the case from the initial investigation through the shocking arrest and long-awaited trial more than a decade later. 'Dateline' correspondent Blayne Alexander sits down with the detectives who worked the case, as well as Knutson's friends and family, to piece together the search for justice.
Here is a preview of Alexander's report:
The town is mostly quiet now, but you'll see them, these weather-worn pink ribbons, a faded photograph of a young woman, reminders of a mystery that spanned nearly two decades.
Anita Knutsen, a young college student, was found lying dead inside her apartment.
KAREN LEIER: It's just something you never, ever can prepare yourself for.
JOHN KLUG: We've got to find the person responsible.
A case that shattered the predictable peace of this small community.
ANNA KNUTSON: At that time, anybody and everybody is a suspect to me.
The pressure was on the police to find some answers. And those who loved her were relentless, year after year.
KIM FUNDINGSLAND: Nobody ever forgot the murderer was still out there.
TYLER SCHMATLZ: We did everything we could to keep her memory alive.
LAUREN LAESSIG: There were always things we thought we could do.
A story with a final chapter no one saw coming.
Watch 'Dateline: Murder in Minot' Friday at 9 p.m. on NBC4.
'Dateline NBC' is the longest-running series in NBC primetime history and is in its 33rd season. Dateline is anchored by Lester Holt and features correspondents Blayne Alexander, Andrea Canning, Josh Mankiewicz, Keith Morrison and Dennis Murphy.
The stories range from compelling mysteries to powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. When major news breaks, they go to the scene, putting the pieces together to bring the viewer the full picture. And in every story they tell, they help the real people who lived the events share their journeys with the viewer.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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