Dassel Man Sentenced to Nearly 30 Years in Prison for 2023 Murder

(KNSI) – A Dassel man convicted of murdering his wife while their two children were in the house has been sentenced to nearly 30 years in prison.

Bryan Demarais was handed down a 367-month sentence on Tuesday, but has credit for 579 days already served. He killed his wife, Kayla, on December 28th, 2023, after an argument. Demarais was angry with her over alleged cheating.

After the shooting, Demarais called 911 and reported that he had just murdered his wife. When Meeker County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived at the home, they found Kayla lying on the ground with multiple bullet wounds to the head and back. She was not breathing. Their two young children, ages eight and 11, were in a nearby bedroom when it happened.

Demarais entered a Norgaard plea last week, which means he admits the state likely has enough evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt if it went to trial. In addition to second-degree murder, Demarais was charged with reckless child endangerment.

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