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.
-
Plus: Demolition work is underway to make room for new construction in Bemidji's blighted rail corridor; Anderson Brothers Construction in Brainerd can once again bid on government contracts; and Essentia Health St. Joseph's will host its annual Tree of Life memorial service on Dec. 16. -
Megan Buffington/KAXECounties, cities and school districts host these meetings at the end of each year, after proposed property tax statements are sent out with tax estimates based on the proposed levies. -
Contributed/Lake of the Woods County Sheriff's OfficeThe man reported being surrounded by 400 feet of open water while standing on thin ice with a portable fish house. -
Officials with the state's Environmental Quality Board heard more on how data center development could impact the state's water resources. -
Contributed/St. Louis CountyRyan Moller allegedly shot his father in the head in Fayal Township after an argument. He was charged with attempted murder and assault Dec. 5, 2025. -
Contributed/Any Lane via PexelsIt's time to start thinking about gift-giving as the holidays approach. What are some things that you like to make to give to others? -
Plus: A Bemidji forum explores the affordability of child care, health care and more for families, along with potential legislative fixes.
-
Larissa Donovan/KAXEChild care providers, local officials and families discussed the high costs of child care and the low wages of child care workers during the Bemidji Affordability Forum on Dec. 3, 2025. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEThe North Central Research and Outreach Center helped test our state fruit for winter hardiness, a step in its eventual release as the University of Minnesota's first apple variety. -
Contributed/Kate Batten via WTIPFinancial records showed Bryce James Campbell’s companies near-due and past-due business debts amounted to more than $14 million when the fire destroyed the beloved North Shore resort.
