Final Defendant in Bemidji Stabbing Sentenced: 35 Years Behind Bars

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The third and concluding accused in the lethal stabbing of an 18-year-old in Bemidji occurred two years prior has now been handed a 35-year jail sentence.

Daniel Keezer, aged 21 from Detroit Lakes, faced sentencing at the Beltrami County District Court on Friday regarding the killing of Andrew Fisher on June 24, 2023. The sentence imposed upon him is over twice as severe compared to those received by his partners in crime.

Robert Keezer Jr., 24, from Mahnomen and James Burnette, 27, from Waubun both received sentences of 15 years in prison last month; this sentence was almost twice as long as the recommended state guidelines.

Whenever you solve a murder case like this, it's satisfying to witness the conclusion," stated Beltrami County Prosecutor David Hanson during an interview on Monday. "We're quite pleased with how things turned out. Families often find these outcomes challenging. While reaching a resolution brings some comfort, it won't return your son or child. This is what makes it tough—the pain remains.

The three of them all admitted guilt in March. Fisher’s mother, Donna Jones, strongly criticized the plea deals. She believed that all three defendants should have faced second-degree murder charges; however, these accusations against Burnette and Keezer Jr. were downgraded to aiding and abetting aggravated first-degree robbery.

The eyewitness and Fisher’s close friend, John Loch, who is 20 years old, stated that Fisher intended to sell a small amount of marijuana when the accused individuals confronted him, pursued him, and assaulted him. It was during this incident that Keezer reportedly drew a knife.

Loch mentioned that the traumatic event derailed his college journey and had a significant impact on his mental well-being.

"The agony of his loss is excruciating, and understanding the harsh manner in which he was ripped away from us makes it even more difficult to come to terms with," Loch's impact statement stated.

That evening, he was driving around Bemidji with Fisher, who had gone to sell marijuana. As they left the house, the trio pursued Fisher, and Burnette coerced Loch into remaining inside his vehicle under threat.

Once the defendants had escaped, Loch hurried to reach Fisher and discovered him lying in a puddle of blood. He placed his friend into his vehicle and pleaded with nearby neighbors for assistance as he dialed 911. He witnessed Fisher draw his final breaths.

Daniel Keezer’s sentence represents an increase above the standard sentencing guidelines, indicating that as part of his plea deal, he consented to receive a more severe penalty than what was suggested by state law.

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