Defense files motion for new trial in Kasemeier murder case; Judge denies that motion, hands down mandatory sentence of life in prison

by Sharon Drahn
Contributing writer

Brandon James Kasemeier, who was convicted May 27 of this year of first degree murder in the death of his estranged wife, Jami Kasemeier, by a jury in Allamakee County District Court, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole Monday afternoon, July 7, with Iowa First Judicial District Court Judge Alan Heavens presiding over the sentencing. Kasemeier had been charged in the case following the discovery of Jami’s body January 22, 2024 in the home the two once shared in the 100 block of 1st Avenue SW in Waukon.

Although Kasemeier’s attorneys, Erin Carr and Raya Dimitrova, had filed for a new trial on his behalf, Judge Heavens denied the request prior to Monday’s proceedings. Prior to the formal sentencing, family members were given the opportunity to share victim impact statements with the court during the hearing.

Julie Beckman, Jami Kasemeier’s mother, spoke directly to Kasemeier as she addressed his drug addiction and his abusive torture of Jami and their children. She reiterated how he took a loving mother, aunt and sister from those who loved her most. She emphasized that he denied help and how he also threatened to kill the children. She said, “You took your rage out on Jami and the kids your entire life. You crushed her bones, you are an evil monster. You are not man enough to look me in the face. You are left with more rights than my dead daughter and you are not worth the air you breathe.”

Jami’s sisters, Victoria Dugan and Sarah Owen, also gave heartfelt statements. Dugan further noted Brandon’s evil spirit saying that he did not deserve to be called a father or a husband as he tried to control all aspects of Jami’s life. She said, “Jami is celebrating today with us because you are no longer in control. The kids now are forced to go on without a mother, but they are amazing because of Jami.”

Owen, who also testified at the trial and was the last person outside the home to talk to Jami prior to her death, said, “We will all try and live our best lives to honor Jami. I think about my sister and her last words constantly. You are a monster who preyed on the vulnerable.”
Caiden Moore, Jami’s son, speaking directly to Brandon, said, “You took my mom and her love will never be able to be replaced. She made me feel safe in a broken world.”

Jenaya Kasemeier, Jami’s daughter, reminisced about her mother’s beautiful singing voice. She said, “She had the voice of an angel and I miss her so much. I will never be able to tell her I love her again. You (Brandon) are a monster and are no longer a father, a friend or a husband.”

The final statement was made by Bradley Kasemeier, who had lived with his mother near the end of her life. He said, “You are selfish and condescending and you have taken away our wonderful mother. Special days and holidays will never be the same.”

At the conclusion of the statements, Judge Heavens said, “The mandatory sentence for the crime of murder in the first degree is life in prison without the possibility of parole, and I will add, that this sentence is appropriate in this case as it has caused a tragedy to the family and community. The law is required to protect the community and the community is not safe with you in it.”

Kasemeier is also required to pay $150,000 in restitution to Jami’s estate. Heavens did, however, inform Kasemeier and his attorneys that they have the right to file an appeal. That appeal must be filed with the Iowa Supreme Court within 30 days of sentencing.

Following the sentencing, the Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office was ordered to transport Kasemeier to the Iowa Medical and Classification Center at Oakdale. He is now remanded to the custody of the Iowa Department of Corrections to begin serving his sentence of life in prison without parole.

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