Mankato Man Stabbed Kwik Trip Employee 43 Times, Docs Say

Mar 20, 2025

A Mankato man has been charged with second-degree murder following a fatal stabbing at a convenience store early Tuesday.

Michael Lee Miller, 28, is accused of killing 34-year-old Dennis Vosika inside the Kwik Trip at 1549 Madison Avenue around 3:04 a.m.

*Dennis Vosika (right), the victim of a deadly stabbing in Mankato. Via* ***Kelsey Ogren***

According to the criminal complaint, police were called to the store on March 18 after getting a report of a disturbance. Dispatchers heard sounds of an altercation before the call was disconnected. A second caller—who had already fled the store—also reported the situation to authorities.

PREVIOUSLY: Kwik Trip Employee Killed Overnight in Mankato

When officers arrived, they found Vosika unresponsive behind the counter in a pool of blood. He had multiple stab wounds to his neck, head, back and leg. Life-saving efforts were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at the hospital. A preliminary autopsy found Vosika had been stabbed 43 times and his death was ruled a homicide.

Investigators identified Miller as the suspect through surveillance footage and witness statements. According to a bystander, Miller entered the store with a large knife and started eating food from the refrigerated section. When asked to pay, Vosika instructed the bystander to call police. The bystander retreated to a back room and locked the door when Miller approached. Miller then allegedly shattered the glass on the door, prompting the bystander to flee and call 911.

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Surveillance footage showed Miller confronting Vosika behind the counter, throwing him to the ground and stabbing him multiple times before fleeing the store on foot. Authorities later arrested him at his home, located just west of the store. During his arrest, Miller reportedly asked if the victim had survived, the court documents said.

In an interview with investigators, Miller claimed he was “hearing voices” and had initially planned to start the store on fire. He admitted to bringing a knife and a lighter with him but said he ultimately attacked Vosika after he tried to grab the weapon. Miller also said he "smiled for some reason" during the assault.

Police recovered a blood-covered knife from a dumpster near the scene and a search of Miller’s residence uncovered additional knives and suspected blood evidence. He has now been charged with second-degree murder with intent but without premeditation. If convicted, Miller faces up to 40 years in prison.

Miller remains in custody without bail and an initial court appearance has not yet been scheduled. A review of Minnesota court records found no prior convictions for Miller.

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