Anoka County Sheriff’s Office Marks 32nd Anniversary of Unsolved Columbus Homicide of Dennis Wayne Stokes

COLUMBUS, Minn. — October 30, 2025 — The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) is renewing its call for information in the unsolved 1993 homicide of Dennis Wayne Stokes, marking 32 years since the 46-year-old Columbus resident was found shot to death inside his home.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies discovered Mr. Stokes deceased in bed during a welfare check on October 30, 1993, after he failed to appear for a pre-arranged hunting trip. When deputies arrived at the residence, they found his hunting gear near the front door, which had been left slightly ajar.

Investigators determined that Stokes, a white male, had suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head. His death was ruled a homicide, and the case—filed under Case Number 93-188838—remains open and under active review by the Anoka County Cold Case Homicide Unit.

“You don’t have to tell us who you are, but please tell us what you know,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a renewed public appeal for information.

Anyone with knowledge related to the case is urged to contact investigators. Tips can be submitted anonymously via email to ACSOColdCases@anokacountymn.gov.

Even after more than three decades, investigators believe that new information or witness recollections could help bring long-awaited answers and justice for Stokes’ family.

The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office maintains a dedicated webpage highlighting ongoing investigations and unsolved homicide cold cases. More details about the Dennis Wayne Stokes case and other investigations can be found on the official Anoka County Cold Case Homicide Unit webpage.

MinneapoliMedia