Aitkin Daytime Stabbing Hospitalizes 2 Women; Suspect Later Arrested in Ramsey County

AITKIN, Minn. – Police say they found a bloody scene when responding to a slashing at a residence in the quiet community of Aitkin, that left two women in the hospital.

Aitkin Police responded to a residence on First Street Northwest around 10:56 a.m. on Wednesday after they received a call that a female had been stabbed.

Officers found the female sitting in the living room “covered in blood and had an open wound on her right cheek and multiple wounds on her right arm.” They also said there was “a large amount of blood” on the objects and area around the woman.

The woman, who was “not very responsive,” told officers that she had been stabbed by Matthew Dean Liimatainen, according to the report.
Officers found a second woman at the residence, who said she was present when the stabbing occurred and obtained minor injuries to her face and ribs. She reportedly confirmed the first victim’s account.

According to the police report, the second victim was a “family or household member” of Liimatainen.

When recounting events to police, the second woman said Liimatainen “grabbed a knife off a shelf near the living room before he charged at (the first victim) who was sitting on the chair in the living room when the assault occurred.” She told police that she initially thought he was punching the first victim “until she saw all the blood.” She said she obtained her injuries when trying to intervene.

The second victim said Liimatainen eventually left the residence, but when she attempted to call 911, he grabbed the phone from her. Liimatainen got into her truck and threw her off the running boards when she attempted to turn it off.

Officers did not find Liimatainen in the immediate area, so Aitkin Police placed a statewide alert for the vehicle. The effort spanned multiple counties and agencies and included assistance from the Minnesota BCA.

Around 3:27 p.m. that same day, law enforcement in Ramsey County took Liimatainen into custody and worked with Aitkin Sheriffs to transport him back.

At 6:29 p.m. Liimatainen was processed at the Aitkin County Sheriff’s Office. He reported to officers that he had used a combination of meth and ecstasy about “four or five hours ago” and still felt some of the effects.

Investigators told Liimatainen that they had warrants for his clothing, DNA, and a blood sample. He said he didn’t feel comfortable taking his clothes off until he got to the jail and requested a copy of the warrants. After Liimatainen had been provided with the warrants, investigators tried to explain the process of a cheek swab.

The report said Liimatainen “appeared reluctant” during the explanation. He then reportedly strikes one of the investigators “with his left hand in a closed fist.” Liimatainen was restrained and placed back in handcuffs before he was transported to the Aitkin County Jail.

Both women were taken to the area hospital; however, the first victim was later taken by air to Hennepin County due to the seriousness of her injuries.