Northeast Iowa Man Accused of Killing Wife Seeks Delay of Trial

A Northeast Iowa man, accused of killing his wife, is not only seeking a change of venue for his trial, but also a delay in his trial.

40-year-old Brandon Kasemeier is charged with first-degree murder in the death of his estranged wife, Jami Kasemeier, found dead inside their Waukon residence on January 22nd. Waukon Police also recovered an empty handgun case and several fired .22 caliber cartridge casings inside the home. 

It’s believed Jami Kasemeier was killed on January 21st, the last day family members say they heard from her. On January 23rd, Brandon Kasemeier was arrested some 900 miles away in Loveland, Colorado, where Larimer County Sheriff’s deputies allegedly found a .22 (caliber) revolver in his car.

Kasemeier appeared ready to agree to a plea deal in June and his trial in Allamakee County District Court was cancelled. However, no plea was entered and, in August, his trial date was re-set for January 28, 2025, which will be just over one year after the death of Jami Kasemeier.

On December 6th, Kasemeier filed a motion for a change of venue citing extensive pretrial media publicity and the small population of Allamakee County will make it impossible for him to receive a fair trial in Waukon. Tuesday (12.17), the state filed resistance to that motion, now scheduled for a December 30th hearing. At that hearing, Kasemeier’s motion for information on potential jurors will also be heard. The State also resists that request, noting jurors would not want personal information available to a man accused of murder.

On Monday (12.16), Kasemeier filed for a continuance of the trial date, arguing the December 30th proceedings will delay his preparation for trial. The defense motion also indicates that Kasemeier has retained a forensic psychologist to conduct an evaluation and assist him in his defense, which the State itself would then need to have time to review. 

Also on Monday, a judge ruled that Kasemeier “shall be allowed retain the private investigation firm of Gratias Investigations, Inc. at state expense. Said expense can be up to $3,000.00. Additional charges will require a further Order of the Court.”