BEMIDJI — Three men charged in the 2023 murder and robbery of a man in Bemidji pleaded guilty, according to the Beltrami County Attorney’s Office.
In a Tuesday, March 4, news release, Beltrami County Attorney David L. Hanson said Daniel Keezer pleaded guilty to murder, and his brother Robert Keezer and associate James Burnette pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting aggravated robbery.
Bemidji Police responded to reports of a physical altercation early on June 24, 2023, according to the release. Officers found a man, identified as A.F., with multiple stab wounds who was shortly pronounced dead.
An investigation by Bemidji police, with assistance from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, found the three men had lured the victim to the scene of the crime with the intent to rob him.
Robert Keezer and Burnette admitted to aiding in the robbery in open court, according to the release, and Daniel Keezer admitted that he stabbed A.F. multiple times.
Hanson said his office intends to seek a 35-year sentence for Daniel Keezer, who will be sentenced in April, and 15 years for Burnette and Robert Keezer, who will be sentenced in March.
-
The Paul Bunyan Drug Task Force is implementing automatic license plate readers, or ALPRs, in its jurisdictional boundaries. Civil liberties groups join those concerned with the lack of public knowledge and oversight into how this data is used.
-
Plus: The Minnesota PCA will host an informational meeting on permitting and variance requests from US Steel's Keetac Mine in Virginia on Sept. 3; and Wadena drivers can expect major traffic changes as Highway 10 opens and work starts on Highway 71.
-
-
Experts emphasize that people should learn authentic ways to support school shooting survivors, even after the stories fade from headlines.
-
The free event focuses on practical ways to improve woodland habitat for wildlife, while keeping forests healthy and productive for future generations, the SWCD said.
-
Drivers in Wadena can expect two-lane traffic on Highway 10 to begin late on August 29, 2025, with Highway 71 closing as construction continues.
-
The Miracle-Ear Foundation is partnering with Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Tribal Public Health to offer free hearing screenings and hearing aids for up to 100 people.
-
From hearing Woody Guthrie on the air in 1976 to leading KAXE through crises, Maggie Montgomery reflects on the station’s resilience and the urgent fight to keep community radio alive after federal funding cuts.
-
This week, we've been wondering what you loved to read when you were young.
-
Events this week include an artist reception and Medicare presentation in Bemidji, a rummage sale in Brainerd, Fall Fest in Virginia and the Lumberjack Mile and 5K in Grand Rapids.