Meeker County man who killed his wife sentenced to 30.5 years in prison

A man who admitted to shooting and killing his wife in 2023 has been sentenced to over three decades behind bars.

Bryan Demarais, 36, was convicted on three felony charges, including second-degree murder and two counts of child endangerment. He was sentenced to serve 367 months (30.5 years) for the first-degree murder charge. Additional sentences of 28 and 33 months for child endangerment will be served concurrently — he will receive credit for 579 days served.

On Dec. 28, 2023, Demaris called 911, stating he had shot and killed his wife, 29-year-old Kayla Demarais, at their home in Dassel Township.

According to court documents, Demaris advised officers that their two children were in the home and asked that they be taken out from their bedroom window so they didn’t have to see their mother.

Demaris complied with orders from the police and was taken into custody without incident.

Court documents state Demaris told officers that morning he had discovered text messages from his wife and another adult man with whom she was in an extramarital relationship, which sparked an argument.

While he initially went to work, Demaris was allowed to return home by his supervisor after telling the supervisor about his marriage problems and stating he was unsure if he would be able to work that day.

The children told police they were in a bedroom playing a video game when they heard an argument between their parents, then gunshots, and saw their mother fall over in the living room.

Demaris told the children to close their door and not to call 911, stating he could make the call.

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, several resources are available to offer help. For immediate help, contact:

The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.

Minnesota Day One at 866-223-1111.

The Women’s Advocates crisis line at 651-227-8284.

More than 12 million people just in the U.S. are affected by domestic violence every year, according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

The organizations listed above can help connect victims to resources like safe shelter, advocacy, legal help and support groups.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline also offers tips for identifying abuse and supporting victims of abuse. CLICK HERE to see those.

Other organizations that can help include:

Violence Free Minnesota at 651-646-6177 or 800-289-6177.

STANDPOINT(formerly the Battered Women’s Legal Advocacy Project) at 612-343-9842.

Mending the Sacred Hoop at 888-305-1650.

Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault at 612-209-9993.

Minnesota also has a list of many other resources for victims of crimes that can be found HERE.
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