MINNESOTA (trfnews.i234.me) — A chilling homicide has rocked a Minnesota community after police say a man brutally stabbed a store clerk 43 times in a deadly confrontation caught on surveillance cameras.
According to the criminal complaint, police were dispatched to the store on March 18 following a report of a disturbance. Before the initial 911 call was disconnected, dispatchers could hear sounds of an altercation. A second witness, who fled the store, also alerted authorities.
When officers arrived, they discovered the victim, identified as Vosika, unresponsive behind the store counter, lying in a pool of blood. Despite life-saving efforts, Vosika was pronounced dead at a local hospital. A preliminary autopsy later confirmed that he had suffered 43 stab wounds to the neck, head, back, and leg.
Authorities identified Michael Lee Miller as the suspect through surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts. Witnesses stated Miller entered the store wielding a large knife and began eating food from a refrigerated section without paying. After being asked to leave, Miller reportedly approached the counter, violently attacked Vosika, and stabbed him repeatedly before fleeing on foot.
The bystander who initially called 911 had locked themselves in a back room before escaping the store and notifying police.
Miller was later arrested at his residence, located just west of the store. According to court documents, during his arrest, Miller asked officers if the victim had survived. In a subsequent interview, Miller told investigators that he was “hearing voices” and originally planned to set the store on fire. He admitted to bringing both a knife and lighter but claimed he only attacked Vosika after the victim tried to grab the weapon. Chillingly, Miller also admitted he “smiled for some reason” while stabbing Vosika.
Police recovered the blood-soaked knife from a dumpster near the store and found additional knives and suspected blood evidence during a search of Miller’s home.
Miller has been charged with second-degree murder with intent but without premeditation, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison if convicted. He remains in custody without bail, and his initial court appearance has not yet been scheduled. A records check revealed Miller has no prior criminal convictions in Minnesota.
I’m Chris Harper, and I’m reporting for TRF News.
Did you know?
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In Minnesota, second-degree murder without premeditation can carry up to 40 years in prison.
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Violent crimes inside convenience stores have been on the rise nationally, according to recent FBI data.
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Stabbing deaths accounted for nearly 10% of all U.S. homicides in 2022.