A 21-year-old man was stabbed to death on a sidewalk in Apple Valley early Sunday after a fight, according to charges filed by authorities. The suspect, 20-year-old Aron Isait Medina Rojas from St. Louis Park, is now wanted for murder and has not yet been caught.
Police have charged Medina Rojas with second-degree intentional murder in the death of Daniel Isaac Aguilar. The incident happened near Pennock Avenue and 138th Street, and the case was filed under a sealed warrant, which was opened on Thursday.
According to the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office, Aguilar died from multiple stab wounds, including one to the left side of his chest. While the coroner listed Aguilar’s residence as Burnsville, Apple Valley police said he lived in Apple Valley.
Aguilar’s family is now mourning his loss. His aunt, Andrea Rodriguez, wrote on a GoFundMe page created to raise money for funeral costs:
“As our family begins to process this unimaginable loss and make arrangements, we want to thank everyone who has reached out with love, prayers, and support. Your kindness means more than words can express.”
On Tuesday, Apple Valley police identified Medina Rojas as the main suspect and asked the public to help find him. Authorities said he may be driving a gray 2018 Chrysler 300 with Minnesota license plate JPU 845. They believe he might try to flee to Mexico.
What Happened
According to court documents, the police received a call at 3:12 a.m. Sunday reporting a man lying on the sidewalk. When officers arrived, they found Aguilar covered in blood and unresponsive. He was still warm, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Surveillance video from the neighborhood showed Aguilar walking down the sidewalk at 2:38 a.m. A minute later, a car pulled up and voices could be heard. The voices sounded like they were arguing. The video then showed Medina Rojas walking toward Aguilar, who tried to back away.
Medina Rojas is seen stabbing Aguilar in the chest. Aguilar responded, saying, “I’m walking home bro. Let me be.” Then Medina Rojas punched him in the throat, and Aguilar collapsed. Medina Rojas then walked away.
The Background
Earlier that night, Aguilar had been in Minneapolis with his girlfriend. They argued at a club and then drove to a bus station parking lot in Apple Valley, where the argument continued. Aguilar’s girlfriend told police she was upset and called her friend to come pick her up.
That friend arrived with Medina Rojas, who was her boyfriend. Surveillance footage shows Aguilar walking away as they arrived.
Aguilar’s girlfriend told police Medina Rojas asked her if Aguilar had a “strap on,” meaning a gun. After they dropped her off at a friend’s house, Medina Rojas and the friend drove away and then spotted Aguilar walking again.
The friend said she got out and confronted Aguilar. She claimed he became aggressive, so Medina Rojas stepped in. A fight broke out between the two men. She told police that Aguilar extended his arm and then sat down on the sidewalk. Medina Rojas returned to the car with blood on his shirt and said they had to leave.
The friend later contacted police and confirmed the events described by Aguilar’s girlfriend.
What Police Are Asking
Apple Valley police are still searching for Medina Rojas and are asking the public to help. If you see him, do not approach him—call 911 immediately. If you have any information about his whereabouts, call Apple Valley police at 952-322-2323.
