Aitkin County Man Charged with Stabbing, Carjacking – Faces Multiple Felonies

AITKIN, MN – A 33-year-old man is facing multiple felony charges after a violent stabbing and carjacking left a woman with serious injuries on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 in Aitkin County.

Police responded to a residence on First Street Northwest after receiving reports of a stabbing. Upon arrival, officers found a 41-year-old female victim suffering from multiple stab wounds, including severe injuries to her face and arm.

Brutal Stabbing & Carjacking

Authorities say the suspect, identified as Matthew Dean Liimatainen, repeatedly stabbed the woman before fleeing the scene. A second woman, 60, from Esko, attempted to intervene but suffered minor injuries. She later told police that Liimatainen grabbed a knife and charged at the victim, initially mistaking the attack for punching until she saw the blood.

After the stabbing, Liimatainen allegedly stole the second woman’s phone to prevent her from calling 911. He then forcefully stole her Ford F-150, pushing her off the running board as she tried to stop him.

Arrest & Drug Use Admission

An alert was issued for the stolen truck, prompting a multi-agency manhunt. Liimatainen was captured more than 120 miles away in White Bear Township just hours later.

According to court records, he admitted to using methamphetamine and ecstasy earlier that day. When officers attempted to collect DNA evidence, he punched a Bureau of Criminal Apprehension agent.

Serious Felony Charges & Criminal History

Liimatainen has been charged with multiple felonies, including:

• First-degree assault causing great bodily harm (20 years in prison, $30,000 fine)
• First-degree carjacking with a dangerous weapon (20 years in prison, $30,000 fine)
• Motor vehicle theft
• Gross misdemeanor domestic assault
• Assault on a peace officer
• Interfering with a 911 call

Court records show Liimatainen has a long criminal history, including first-degree arson, felony theft, credit card fraud, assault, fleeing police, felon in possession of a firearm, and escape from custody. He also has a prior conviction for violating an order for protection in 2020.

During his initial court appearance on Friday, bail was set at $1 million.

This remains a developing case, and further updates will follow.

I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRF News