Kasemeier withdraws guilt plea

Left hollow and frustrated at the lack of closure, family and friends, clad in matching violet purple t-shirts emblazoned with “Justice for Jami,” clung to each other in embraces filled with exasperated anger and sadness. (Driftless Multimedia photo by Denise Lana)

Brandon Kasemeier enters an Allamakee County Courtroom Monday, June 10. (Driftless Multimedia photo by Denise Lana)

Friends and family of Jami Kasemeier filled the pews of an Allamakee County courtroom Monday morning to witness Jami’s estranged husband, Brandon Kasemeier, plead guilty for her January 2024 murder, but were appalled and angered when Brandon unexpectedly withdrew his plea.  Brandon didn’t offer any explanation for the last minute change, nor did he make eye contact with anyone in the gallery as he was led from the courtroom. 

A trial conference has been set for July 1 via zoom.  

 

RECAP:

In mid-April Brandon Kasemeier changed his plea to guilty in the Jan. 21, 2024, death of his estranged wife, Jami Kasemeier.

Kasemeier originally pleaded not guilty to first degree murder March 11, and a jury trial was set for May 15.

Jami, who was estranged from Kasemeier, was found deceased in Kasemeier’s home Jan. 22. She had extensive injuries to her face and an empty handgun case was nearby, along with several spent .22 casings. Originally, her death was labeled “suspicious in nature” but was soon considered a homicide.

Kasemeier could not be located for questioning, and a warrant was issued for his arrest in connection with Jami’s death. Kasemeier fled the state before Jami’s body was discovered in his Waukon residence, and he was located in Colorado Jan. 23, where he was originally stopped and arrested for driving under the influence. Colorado police located a .22 handgun under the seat of Kasemeier’s vehicle, and when it was discovered he was a fugitive from Iowa, Brandon was jailed without bond and held in a Colorado detention center until he was extradited in late February back to Iowa. Kasemeier has since been held at the Allamakee County Jail under a $1,000,000 bond.

Court records reflect that Jami endured years of domestic abuse with Kasemeier dating back to 2015. Several no contact orders were placed after numerous domestic abuse and harassment incidents took place between the couple. Jami filed two separate petitions for relief from domestic abuse, one in 2017 and again in early 2018.

In April 2018, Kasemeier was charged with domestic abuse assault against Jami after he held her down and choked her. Jami called police and he was removed from her house, but Kasemeier threatened Jami “if law enforcement got involved that she would be leaving in a body bag.”

Submit A Comment

Fill out the form to submit a comment. All comments require approval by our staff before it is displayed on the website.

Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comment
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments