MANKATO, Minn. – The criminal complaint in a fatal Mankato stabbing this week is sordid. An autopsy showed that Dennis Vosika, the 34-year-old victim, was stabbed 43 times. This was at the Kwik Trip convenience store where he worked. Just as debased are other particulars listed in the criminal complaint: The man accused of the stabbing told police he was hearing voices to destroy and burn everything down: “I wasn’t gonna knife the guy at first. I was just gonna set the place on fire.” Surveillance video showed the assailant entering the store with a large knife, walking to the refrigerator section, and using the knife to open a package of meat. Then he went to the check-out counter, went behind the counter, threw Vosika to the floor, and began stabbing. At the hospital emergency room, where Vosika was pronounced, they counted 43 “sharp force injuries” in his head, back and leg. The assailant was identified on surveillance video as James Lee Miller, age 28, who lived in guardianship at a group a five-minute walk away. The Minnesota River Valley tactical response team swarmed the address. Miller was taken without resistance. He was quoted as asking a tactical team officer “if that guy survived.” Documents say that Miller suffered from brain and post-traumatic damage.
Vosika. Had worked several years at Kwik Trip. Had been battling kidney failure15 years. Friends called him positive, radiant, resilient — always smiling, caring, and kind. His nickname: The Social Butterfly. Born in the Philippines. Adopted into Minnesota family as an infant. An avid card collector and Timberwolves fan.