A clerk at a Mankato convenience store was fatally stabbed early Tuesday morning and a suspect has been arrested.
Dennis Vosika, 34, of Mankato, was found lying unresponsive on the floor when police officers, responding to a disturbance at the store, arrived at the Kwik Trip shortly after 3 a.m. Vosika died of multiple stab wounds at the Mankato hospital, authorities said.
Police identified the suspect by reviewing surveillance footage and arrested 28-year-old Michael Miller at his residence without incident at around 6 a.m. Police said Miller was a known customer at the store at 1549 Madison Ave. and easily identified.
Police were planning to issue a shelter-in-place order for a two-block radius around the 400 block of Commodore Drive, which is a few blocks from the Kwik Trip. The shelter order wasn’t put in place as the suspect was arrested.
Scott Zietlow, the CEO of the La Crosse, Wis.-based Kwik Trip, said in a statement: “This is a devastating loss for all of us, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”
Zietlow said the company was working with law enforcement to understand what happened.
“At Kwik Trip, the safety and well-being of our coworkers are our top priorities. We are committed to maintaining a secure and supportive workplace for all coworkers. We want to make sure that everyone feels safe and supported during this challenging time.”
Vosika’s girlfriend said that she would remember him for his resilience, positive attitude and contagious smile.
Kelsey Audrienne said that she and Vosika had been together since 2015.
“He’s not just a victim in a newspaper,” Audrienne said. “He’s a person who lived a big life.”
Family was most important to Vosika, she said. He was a son, brother and uncle who had three “fur baby” cocker spaniels, Roxi, Rocco and Ravyn.
Vosika was also a huge sports fan, particularly the Vikings and Timberwolves. Life was one big adventure for the ever-social Mankatoan, who was originally from Cambridge, Minn., Audrienne said.
“It’s going to be hard without him, but I know his life will be celebrated and honored,” she said. “That’s what I’m going to try to do.”
Dealing with kidney disease, Vosika would’ve wanted the staff at DaVita Dialysis to know he appreciated them, Audrienne said. He was there three days a week.
“They helped him sustain his life,” she said.
Vosika was a victim of circumstance, Audrienne said. She refrained from any specific comments on the suspect or incident.
“There needs to be more resources and help for people with mental health,” she said. “I hope that no one has to lose their life like Dennis did.
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