Kasemeier returns to Iowa, makes initial appearance in Allamakee County Court

Brandon Kasemeier, the 39-year-old man from Waukon charged in the January 21 death of his estranged wife, was returned to Allamakee County from Colorado late Wednesday, February 14 and was booked into the Allamakee County Jail on a charge of murder in the first degree. Allamakee County Sheriff Clark Mellick said that agents with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) transported Kasemeier back to Allamakee County by ground vehicle after transportation arrangements were made following the signing of his waiver of extradition and consent to return documentation Friday, February 9 by 8th Judicial District Judge Stephen Jouard during a review hearing at the Larimer County Justice Center in Fort Collins, CO.

Following his return to Allamakee County, Kasemeier made his initial appearance in Allamakee County District Court Thursday morning, February 15, during which time Kasemeier was assigned to be represented by the Dubuque Public Defender’s Office. A short time later a motion was filed by the Dubuque Public Defender’s Office for permission to withdraw from the case, citing caseload and staffing issues as reasons for that withdrawal request. That motion was approved and the Waterloo Public Defender’s Office was assigned to the case.

A preliminary hearing in the case was also scheduled during Thursday’s initial appearance for this Friday, February 23, in addition to a bond review hearing scheduled for Monday, February 26. The preliminary hearing consists of a judge listening to evidence presented and then determining whether to proceed to trial, and if so, setting an arraignment date.

Allamakee County Attorney Anthony Gericke explained that, in Iowa, a preliminary hearing is not necessary if trial information documentation is filed prior to the hearing, which Gericke says “happens 100% of the time... we always file a trial information and minutes of testimony in lieu of a preliminary hearing.”

Gericke further explained that the trial information and minutes of testimony lay out the charges, a brief explanation of fact as to why the charges were filed and a list of witnesses expected to testify at trial, noting that after reviewing the trial information and minutes, the judge will set an arraignment date, if deemed appropriate.

Kasemeier remains in the Allamakee County Jail pending any further court proceedings. He had spent the previous three weeks in the Larimer County Jail in Fort Collins, CO after being arrested in Loveland, CO within 24 hours of law enforcement finding the body of his wife, Jami Kasemeier, inside his home in Waukon Monday, January 22.