Brainerd Man Sentenced to Life for 2024 Murder, Kidnapping

Chad Aaron Aanerud pleaded guilty and received life sentence for shooting death of Lyle Maske and abducting a pregnant woman and her children

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Chad Aaron Aanerud, a 36-year-old Brainerd man, has been sentenced to life in prison for the November 2024 shooting death of 62-year-old Lyle Maske and the abduction of a pregnant woman, Nikkole Dobson, and her four minor children. Aanerud entered a plea agreement in December 2025 and was sentenced in February 2026 to life with the possibility of release after 30 years for the first-degree murder, as well as additional sentences for kidnapping, burglary, and assault charges.

Why it matters

This case highlights the devastating impact of violent crimes on local communities, raising concerns about public safety, repeat offenders, and the need for effective rehabilitation programs. The kidnapping also triggered a statewide Amber Alert, causing distress for many families in Minnesota.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, in the early morning hours of November 1, 2024, Aanerud shot and killed Lyle Maske, who had taken Aanerud into his home and treated him like a grandparent. Aanerud then abducted Dobson and her four children at gunpoint, assaulting Dobson and stealing firearms from Maske's home before fleeing. Aanerud also intentionally set fire to Maske's home, burning it to the ground. After a search, Aanerud was arrested, and Dobson and the children were found unharmed in his van.

  • On November 1, 2024, at 1:50 a.m., law enforcement received a 911 call reporting that Aanerud had shot and killed Lyle Maske.
  • On December 17, 2025, Aanerud entered a plea agreement.
  • On February 17, 2026, Aanerud was sentenced to life in prison.

The players

Chad Aaron Aanerud

A 36-year-old Brainerd man who was sentenced to life in prison for the November 2024 shooting death of Lyle Maske and the abduction of Nikkole Dobson and her four minor children.

Lyle Maske

A 62-year-old man who was shot and killed by Aanerud. Maske had taken Aanerud into his home and treated him like a grandparent.

Nikkole Dobson

A pregnant woman who was abducted by Aanerud at gunpoint, along with her four minor children.

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What they’re saying

“You murdered him in cold blood. He went over there to help.”

— Lois Maske (San Francisco Chronicle)

“I no longer trust anyone. The incident changed how I now feel, how I see and think about the world.”

— Oldest child victim (Instagram)

“The family bond is gone. Now there is sadness, anxiety and fear. Never again will we have safety in our lives.”

— Parents of Nikkole Dobson (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Chad Aaron Aanerud out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the devastating impact of violent crimes on local communities, raising concerns about public safety, repeat offenders, and the need for effective rehabilitation programs. The kidnapping also triggered a statewide Amber Alert, causing distress for many families in Minnesota.