Chad Aanerud, 37, from Brainerd, Minnesota, was sentenced on February 17, 2026, to life in prison with parole possible after 30 years for a violent crime spree on October 31-November 1, 2024, that killed neighbor Lyle Maske, 62, and involved kidnapping his pregnant girlfriend and her four children. He pleaded guilty in December 2025 to first-degree murder, kidnapping, two counts of second-degree assault, and first-degree burglary, with over a dozen other charges like arson and additional kidnappings dropped.
Incident Timeline
Aanerud allegedly sexually assaulted his pregnant girlfriend, threatened her children, and poured gasoline around their Brainerd home while stealing 13 firearms. She sent the kids to next-door neighbor Maske’s house; he investigated unarmed, leading to a fatal confrontation where Aanerud shot him multiple times in the driveway, reportedly saying Maske “stuck his nose where it didn’t belong.” Aanerud then stormed Maske’s home with a rifle, fired shots inside, forced the children and girlfriend into a van, and fled as the victims’ house burned.
Police Response and Arrest
An Amber Alert led police to locate the van near Little Falls hours later; Aanerud smelled of accelerant, and his girlfriend had visible injuries. Maske was found dead; the fire destroyed the home. He claimed the shooting was accidental and the fire a staged burglary, but evidence contradicted this.
Sentencing Outcome
Crow Wing County District Court imposed the life term with credit for time served (over a year). The girlfriend and children were unharmed beyond her injuries; no prior relationship existed between Aanerud and Maske. The case underscores domestic violence risks, with hotlines available for support.​
