BRAINERD, Minn. — Friends and family remembered Bethany Anne Bernatsky as a beautiful soul who was killed in a senseless act of violence three years ago at a northern Minnesota resort.

Cameron Jay Moser

The 30-year-old man facing first-degree murder charges in Bernatsky’s shooting death in 2021 accepted a plea deal and was sentenced last week in Crow Wing County District Court. In the investigation into the murder, officials and family members stated they believed Bernatsky was killed in a case of mistaken identity as her killer thought she was his ex-girlfriend, whose parents previously owned the resort in Nisswa.

Cameron Jay Moser was convicted of intentional murder in the second degree in Bernatsky’s death and was sentenced to 34 years in prison. In Minnesota, a sentence consists of a minimum term of imprisonment equal to two-thirds of the total sentence, and supervised release equal to one-third of the total sentence.

Moser appeared alongside his attorneys Daniel Hawley and Conrad Kragness. Crow Wing County Attorney Don Ryan informed Judge Erik Askegaard that the state reached an agreement with Moser to plead guilty to second-degree intentional murder, and the state would dismiss the remaining first-degree murder charges related to premeditation. With the plea, Moser agreed to waive his rights to a trial.

Moser admitted that on the night of Oct. 7, 2021, he entered Cabin No. 5 at the Cozy Bay Resort on Lake Edward, where Bernatsky, a 46-year-old Brainerd horse trainer, was staying.

Moser was armed with an AR-15 rifle. He shot and wounded her twice. He admitted he then walked up to her while she was conscious and shot her in the head with the intent to kill her.

About 15 people were in the gallery in the courtroom last Wednesday, several in tears and with bowed heads during the proceeding. Four people rose to make victim impact statements.

Charlene Radtke said Bernatsky was her closest friend for more than 20 years and someone she planned to have in her life as she grew older. A talented horsewoman, Bernatsky shared her enthusiasm for horses and riding by teaching children. She competed and performed with well-known groups, including the Royal Lipizzaner Stallions.

“Beth loved people,” Radtke said. “… She forgave everyone who hurt her.”

Radtke noted her friend would say her biggest accomplishment was her daughter, Arielle Rutledge, who recently graduated from law school.

Mari Jevning Baker, Moser’s former girlfriend, also spoke, turning her chair and speaking directly to him. She didn’t have prepared remarks but said she wanted to speak from the heart. She said she’s learned from Bernatsky’s friends what a beautiful soul she was.

“That day changed my life,” Baker said of the murder. She said she hoped through all of the senselessness and loss of life that God uses Moser for some purpose.

“I have to have faith,” Baker said, adding she has so much guilt.

Her statement was interrupted by her tears.

“My sister was a very kind soul,” Ben Bernatsky said. He also turned to look at Moser. He said he and his sister forged a friendship in the last few years where they could talk with each other about life and relationships.

“I miss that time,” he said. “I think we would have had a lot more of it if her life hadn’t been cut short at 46.”

Ben Bernatsky said he thought Moser was getting off easy.

“He might not have intended to kill my sister but he intended to kill someone,” he said. “You’ll be out of jail and have one-third of your life left.”

Ben Bernatsky said he’s been told by family that Moser accepted Christ and is remorseful.

“You’ll have the next 20 years to prove it,” he said.

Moser continued to face forward in his seat and declined an opportunity to speak.

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