KELLOGG, MN – A southeastern Minnesota man is facing charges after authorities say his attempt to escape police led him to climb a tree hours after he allegedly killed his girlfriend in a nearby town.
Craig Hameister, 44, was arrested and charged with two counts of second-degree murder and one count of manslaughter in connection with the death of 36-year-old Melissa Hunt, authorities said. Hameister is currently being held on $2 million bond at the Wabasha County Jail.
The investigation began when officers responded to a report from a resident in Kellogg, a town approximately 90 miles southeast of Minneapolis, where Hunt had pulled into a driveway seeking help. Responding officers found her suffering from traumatic facial injuries.
Despite her condition, Hunt managed to tell police that Hameister had assaulted her earlier that day at a nearby boat launch, describing both his vehicle and his residence. Emergency responders transported her to a hospital, but she later died from her injuries.
Medical examiners ruled Hunt’s death a homicide after discovering gunshot residue in her facial wounds. Investigators recovered an unspent round of ammunition near the scene at the boat launch.
As police expanded the search for Hameister, they located his pickup truck outside a residence in Chatfield, roughly 40 miles south of Kellogg. Inside the vehicle, officers noticed an open door and a 9 mm round on the floor. Residents at the Chatfield property confirmed Hameister’s recent visit, describing him as visibly distressed and admitting that “something bad happened.” He reportedly warned them that law enforcement would be arriving soon.
A separate resident told police her 9 mm handgun was missing from her home after Hameister left, reportedly fleeing on a motorcycle.
Authorities from multiple counties joined forces as the manhunt continued. The search led them to a wooded area where Hameister attempted to elude capture by climbing up a tree. Law enforcement described a tense, hours-long standoff before he was ultimately apprehended.
Investigators found a 9 mm handgun near the tree where Hameister had been hiding. The weapon is being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
Hameister now faces two counts of second-degree murder—one with intent and one without—as well as a manslaughter charge. He remains in custody as court proceedings move forward.