A Minnesota man, Craig Hameister, has been arrested and charged in connection to the tragic death of his girlfriend, 36-year-old Melissa Hunt.
Hunt’s death was a result of a violent altercation that led to a shooting, and Hameister attempted to evade capture by hiding in a tree, prompting a lengthy standoff with police.
The Events Leading to Hunt’s Death
On June 19, 2025, the Wabasha County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call from a homeowner in Kellogg, Minnesota, after Hunt drove into their driveway suffering from severe injuries. She had injuries to her face and jaw and managed to tell police that her boyfriend, Hameister, had struck her with a stick at a nearby boat launch.
Hunt was able to describe Hameister’s vehicle — a white pickup truck — and also provided police with his home address.
Hunt was rushed to a hospital, but despite medical efforts, she later succumbed to her injuries. An autopsy revealed gunshot residue on her face, which pointed to a fatal shooting. Investigators found an unspent round of ammunition at the boat launch, and authorities soon began to piece together the details of the crime.
Investigation and Hameister’s Attempt to Flee
As the investigation unfolded, authorities traced Hameister’s vehicle to a residence in Chatfield, Minnesota, about 40 miles south of Kellogg. When investigators arrived, they noticed an open door on Hameister’s truck, and inside, they found a 9 mm round on the floor of the vehicle.
Further interviews with residents confirmed that Hameister had been at the home, where he appeared “very frantic” and admitted to them that “something bad happened.” He reportedly told the homeowners that the police would soon be arriving.
Authorities also discovered that a 9 mm handgun was missing from one of the homes after Hameister left the area on a motorcycle. The search for Hameister intensified, and the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office joined the investigation.
The Standoff and Arrest
Hameister’s attempts to evade police culminated in a dramatic standoff. The suspect fled into a wooded area and climbed up a tree, where he remained for hours while police surrounded the area. Authorities eventually found a 9 mm handgun near the tree where Hameister had been hiding. After a prolonged standoff, Hameister was taken into custody and transported to the Wabasha County Jail.
Charges and Bail
Hameister has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder: one count with intent and one count without intent, along with one count of manslaughter. He is currently being held on a $2 million bond.
This tragic case highlights the devastating effects of domestic violence, with Hameister’s violent actions leading to the death of Hunt and causing irreparable damage to their family. The investigation continues, as authorities work to understand the full extent of the events that led to this tragic loss.
