A Minnesota man has been sentenced to more than 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree intentional murder for fatally shooting his ex-girlfriend at close range.
Fatal Shooting of Melissa Hunt
Craig Alan Hameister, 44, admitted to shooting 36-year-old Melissa Hunt in the face with a handgun, leading to her tragic death. Hunt, a loving mother, suffered significant facial injuries and was able to identify Hameister as her attacker before succumbing to her wounds.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison expressed his condolences, stating, “Melissa should still be with us today. Those who were lucky enough to have known Melissa say she was kind, caring, and loved her daughters dearly. Her loss is such a tragedy.” He added that Hunt’s family is in his thoughts and prayers.
The Attack
The incident occurred on June 18, 2025, when Hunt arrived at a residence in Kellogg, Minnesota, just before 5 p.m. Deputies found her in the driveway with significant facial injuries, including missing teeth and part of her jaw.
Despite her injuries, Hunt managed to communicate with deputies, identifying Hameister and spelling his last name for them. She also described his truck and confirmed the location of the attack at a boat launch in Kellogg.
Hameister’s Flight and Arrest
After the shooting, deputies tracked down Hameister’s white pickup truck outside Chatfield, Minnesota. A witness reported that Hameister appeared frantic and confessed, “something bad happened,” before fleeing on a motorcycle.
Authorities later arrested him after an hours-long standoff in the Chester Woods area, during which Hameister allegedly climbed a tree to evade capture. Police recovered a 9-millimeter handgun from the base of the tree.
Legal Consequences
Hameister’s sentence of more than 30 years in prison was handed down following his guilty plea. His actions have left a lasting impact on Hunt’s family, who continue to mourn her loss. The case serves as a painful reminder of the tragic consequences of domestic violence and the irreversible harm it causes.
