WABASHA, Minn. — A Rochester man has been sentenced to more than 34 years in prison for the fatal shooting of his ex-girlfriend, Melissa Hunt, at a rural boat launch. Craig Alan Hameister, 45, received a 415-month sentence on Monday after pleading guilty to second-degree intentional murder stemming from the tragic incident.
Hunt, 36, was critically wounded on June 18, 2025, and managed to drive herself from the Kellogg boat launch to a nearby home before succumbing to her injuries. Hameister’s plea agreement acknowledged that he shot Hunt with a handgun and intended to kill her, closing a case that shocked the local community.
During the sentencing, the court acknowledged Hameister’s 327 days already served and ordered him to pay restitution totaling over $10,000 to cover the costs related to the incident. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison remarked on the heart-wrenching nature of the case, highlighting that Hunt should still be alive and was described by her loved ones as a devoted mother and a compassionate individual.
Hunt was seriously injured at the boat launch, suffering significant trauma to her face. Deputies arrived to find her struggling to communicate but able to identify Hameister as her attacker. Initial reports had Hunt suggesting she was struck with a stick. However, a subsequent investigation uncovered evidence indicating she had been shot, including gunshot residue found in her wound.
Witnesses reported that after the attack, Hameister fled to a property outside of Chatfield, where he appeared distressed and acknowledged to others that “something bad happened.” His vehicle was found on the scene with a 9 mm handgun missing, escalating the urgency of the search for him. Officers eventually located Hameister after a standoff lasting several hours, during which he attempted to evade capture by climbing a tree.
Hameister initially faced multiple charges, including two counts of second-degree murder and manslaughter. After negotiations with prosecutors, he ultimately entered a guilty plea that led to a streamlined sentencing process. The plea allowed the court to bypass the complexities of a trial, providing definitive accountability for Hameister’s actions, which Ellison stated demanded justice.
Hunt’s death resonated deeply within the community, with many remembering her for her kindness and her role as a mother, sister, and friend. The incident has sparked discussions about domestic violence and the importance of seeking help for those in perilous relationships. Hameister will serve his prison sentence within the Minnesota correctional system as the case transitions from court proceedings to incarceration.
As of now, no additional hearings related to Hameister’s sentencing have been scheduled, leaving the community to grapple with the aftermath of this tragic event and its impact on Hunt’s family and friends.