MURDER
CASE #: 1993-37
Dennis Wayne Stokes
Status:
Open
Date of Offense:
Date of Offense:
Jurisdiction:
Offense Location:
Columbus, Minnesota
Summary:
Dennis Wayne Stokes was a 46-year-old 3M executive who was fatally shot in the head at his home in Columbus Township, Minnesota on October 30, 1993. His body was discovered during a welfare check after he failed to appear for a pre-arranged hunting trip. The case remains unsolved after more than three decades, with the Anoka County Sheriff's Office Cold Case Homicide Unit actively investigating.
Vital Statistics
Circumstances of Offense:
On October 30, 1993, Dennis Wayne Stokes was shot twice at close range with a shotgun while asleep in his bed. He was found deceased during a welfare check after failing to appear for a hunting trip. His hunting gear was located near the front door, which was left slightly ajar. The crime scene showed no signs of forced entry or struggle. Investigators determined that the scene appeared to be staged to look like a burglary, but nothing of value was stolen. The killer is believed to have been familiar with Stokes' daily routine, the layout of his house, and how to enter without causing a disturbance. On the night of the murder, there was a party at an adjacent residence with a live band, which is believed to have been used to mask the sound of the gunshots.
Additional Details:
Stokes was a respected executive at the 3M Company. Initially, investigators focused on his widow, Terri Stokes, due to reports of marital troubles, alleged affairs, and financial issues. However, insufficient evidence prevented any charges from being filed. In 1996, Terri Stokes filed a defamation lawsuit against CBS (which owns WCCO television), the producer American Journal (King World Productions), and Anoka County officials over a 1994 television broadcast. The court found the broadcast statements to be 'defamatory and false,' but ruled there was no 'actual malice,' resulting in no damages awarded. Terri Stokes eventually left the area to start a new life. No arrests have ever been made in connection with the case. The Anoka County Sheriff's Office maintains an active Cold Case Homicide Unit that continues to investigate the murder. In October 2024, the unit launched a dedicated webpage highlighting unsolved cases. The case file is numbered 93-188838 and remains open under active review. Modern forensics and DNA technology may yet provide breakthroughs.
Case Last Updated:
Timeline of Events
Jury rules the television reports were 'defamatory and false' but finds no 'actual malice,' resulting in no damages awarded to Terri Stokes.
Terri Stokes files federal defamation lawsuit against CBS/WCCO, King World Productions (American Journal producer), and Anoka County officials.
American Journal, a nationally syndicated news show, broadcasts its own story on the murder with similar implications about Terri Stokes.
WCCO television broadcasts story on Dennis Stokes' murder with statements suggesting involvement by Terri Stokes.
Dennis Wayne Stokes discovered dead in his home in Columbus during a welfare check. He had been shot in the head while asleep in bed.
Associated Persons
Terri S. (Spouse) - Living
Tom J. (Investigator) - Living
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