Kara Ann Monson, aged 26, tragically lost her life on September 2, 2013, in Granite Falls, Minnesota. Kara was born on September 3, 1986, in Granite Falls, and was the daughter of Tom and Patrice Monson. She was a beloved member of her community, having graduated from Yellow Medicine East High School and later attending the Aveda Institute in Minneapolis, where she earned a degree in cosmetology.
Kara worked as a stylist at Susie's Hair Company in Montevideo and was known for her free spirit and dedication to her family, especially her young daughter.
The incident that led to Kara's death also claimed the life of her 28-year-old boyfriend, Chris Panitzke, from Redwood Falls. The primary suspect in this double homicide was Andrew Dikken, Kara's ex-boyfriend. Dikken, who was 28 years old at the time, was charged with the murders after being on the run for several days. He was described as a white male with a height of approximately 5 feet 11 inches and weighing around 200 pounds.
Dikken was apprehended after a manhunt that lasted over two weeks. He turned himself in to authorities on September 17, 2013. The charges against him included two counts of second-degree murder. The investigation revealed that Dikken had entered Kara's home and shot both Kara and Chris multiple times before fleeing the scene.
The community of Granite Falls was deeply affected by the loss of Kara and Chris, and the case drew significant attention due to the nature of the crime and the subsequent manhunt for Dikken. The arrest and charges brought some measure of closure to the grieving families and the community.
