GRAND FORKS — Nichole Rice was found not guilty Wednesday, March 26, in the 2007 stabbing death of her college roommate, Anita Knutson — a verdict that triggered an emotional courtroom scene and closed a high-profile cold case that had lingered for nearly two decades .

A Grand Forks jury found Nichole Rice not guilty for the murder of her roommate Anita Knutson in 2007. The jury began deliberating Tuesday afternoon, and were sent home for the evening around 7:30 p.m.

Nichole Rice and her legal team were overcome with emotion when her 'not guilty' verdict was read Wednesday. Anita Knutson's sister and childhood friend reacted to the acquittal.