WABASHA, Minn — A prison sentence of 35-1/2 years was levied for the grisly shooting of a Wabasha woman by her ex-boyfriend at the Half Moon boat landing on the Mississippi river. Craig Alan Hameister, age 45, earlier had pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in a plea deal. Originally he was charged with premeditated murder. The sentence was issued by Judge Dwight Luhmann, who was loan from nearby Winona County. Hameister shot 36-year-old Melissa Hunt in the face at the remote boat landing in June. Despite portions of her jaw and teeth missing, she managed to drive a mile for help,.She died shortly at the Wabasha hospital. Hameister was arrested hiding up a tree 40 miles south near Chester Woods Park in Olmsted County. He lived near at Chester. The case was prosecuted by the state attorney general’s office at the request of Wabasha County Attorney Matthew Stinson.
Earlier: Memorial gifts for slain Wabasha woman
Earlier: Autopsy: Gun involved n boat landing murder
Earlier: Bail at $2 million in Kellogg boat landing case
Verbatim
Keith Ellison, Minnesota attorney general: “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, and I’m keeping her family in my prayers. I’m grateful to everyone who helped bring Melissa’s killer to justice.”