Kasemeier returning to Iowa to face charge of murder in the first degree

The return of a Waukon man back to the location where he faces first-degree murder charges in the January 21 death of his estranged wife became closer to reality Friday, February 9, and is anticipated to become reality yet this week, according to local officials.

Brandon Kasemeier appeared for a second time in front of 8th Judicial District Judge Stephen Jouard that February 9 morning at the Larimer County Justice Center by video network from the Larimer County Jail, both located in Fort Collins, CO. Judge Jouard first reviewed the fugitive of justice documentation that Kasemeier has been incarcerated on since his arrest in Loveland, CO within 24 hours of law enforcement officials finding the body of his wife, Jami Kasemeier, inside the home of Brandon Kasemeier in Waukon Monday, January 22 and a warrant being issued by Allamakee County and the State of Iowa on the charge of murder in the first degree.

At his initial appearance in Colorado a week earlier, Kasemeier expressed his intentions of waiving his right to an extradition hearing and being returned to the state of Iowa to face that charge. State of Colorado Public Defender Matthew Mulch worked with Kasemeier on the necessary paperwork to make that return possible, and Judge Jouard signed Kasemeier’s waiver of extradition and consent to return documents during his February 9 appearance, making it possible for law enforcement from the state of Iowa to travel to Colorado to transport Kasemeier back to Allamakee County. Judge Jouard also set a status hearing for Friday, March 8 as a follow-up measure to determine if Kasemeier has been transported back to Iowa.

Following the signing of Kasemeier’s extradition paperwork, both Allamakee County Sheriff Clark Mellick and Allamakee County Attorney Anthony Gericke said they anticipated Kasemeier will be returned to Allamakee County yet this week, with details of his transport still being finalized as of press time for this edition of The Standard. Gericke said Kasemeier’s return to Iowa will be coordinated between local law enforcement, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) assisting in the case, and law enforcement authorities in Colorado.

Sheriff Mellick said that Kasemeier will be returned directly to the Allamakee County Jail. He will then make an initial appearance in Allamakee County District Court on his charge of murder in the first degree.