Convicted Killer From Duluth Sentenced For Kidnapping, Rape

DULUTH, Minn. — A convicted killer from Duluth is sentenced again for a serious crime he committed while out on parole.

Dennis Hannuksela, 64, kidnapped, bound and raped a woman on a logging road near Duluth in May of 2021.

In court Monday, Hannuksela got the maximum sentence of 19 years in prison.

He was previously convicted of first-degree murder in 1987.

“The success in this case should be credited to the bravery of the survivor in her testimony before the jury as well as the exceptional investigative work lead by the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office and assisted by the Duluth Police Department, Carlton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension,” said St. Louis County Attorney Kim Maki.

If you are a victim of sexual assault, know that there is support for you. If you do not know where to turn, the Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault (PAVSA) is always available (218-726-1931).