Aron Rojas Charged with Second-Degree Murder in Fatal Apple Valley Stabbing; Suspect Remains at Large
Updated: July 16, 2025 at 4 PM.
APPLE VALLEY, MINNESOTA—A Minneapolis man has been officially charged with second-degree intentional murder in connection with the fatal stabbing of 21-year-old Daniel Isaac Aguilar of Apple Valley in the early morning hours of July 6, 2025. The suspect, Aron Isait Medina Rojas, 20, remains at large, and authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information that could help locate him.
According to a warrant complaint that can be executed nationwide was filed by the Dakota County Attorney’s Office on July 8, Medina Rojas is accused of fatally stabbing Aguilar during a confrontation around 3:12 a.m. on July 6, near the intersection of Pennock Avenue and 138th Street in Apple Valley. Officers responding to a report of a person lying unresponsive on the sidewalk found Aguilar with multiple stab wounds to his chest, shoulder, and arm, along with blunt force trauma to his neck. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
An autopsy conducted by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that Aguilar died of multiple sharp force injuries. His death was ruled a homicide.
Surveillance Footage and Eyewitness Accounts Detail Violent Confrontation
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from a nearby home that captured portions of the altercation. Around 2:40 a.m., Aguilar is seen walking along the sidewalk when Medina Rojas approaches him. The two appear to argue before Medina Rojas strikes Aguilar in the chest. Aguilar can be heard pleading, “I’m f---ing walking home, bro. Let me be.” Moments later, Medina Rojas appears to punch Aguilar in the throat, causing him to collapse. Medina Rojas and a female companion briefly return to Aguilar’s side before leaving the area.
Witness interviews revealed that Aguilar had been in an argument earlier that evening with his girlfriend, referred to in court documents as Witness 1, after leaving a club in Minneapolis. Medina Rojas, who was dating Witness 1's friend (Witness 2), later encountered Aguilar on the street. Witness 2 told investigators that Medina Rojas fought with Aguilar after Aguilar allegedly became aggressive toward her. She later observed Medina Rojas return to their vehicle with blood on his shirt, telling her they needed to leave.
Suspect Believed to Be Fleeing
Medina Rojas, who has no prior convictions, was charged by warrant with one count of second-degree murder with intent, not premeditated, under Minnesota Statute 609.19.1(1). He is accused of using a knife during the deadly assault.
The Apple Valley Police Department believed Medina Rojas may be attempting to flee to Mexico. He was known to drive a 2017 gray Chrysler 300, Minnesota license plate JPU 845, although it's unclear whether he is still using that vehicle.
Public Urged to Remain Vigilant, Submit Tips
As of July 15, 2025, Medina Rojas remains a wanted fugitive. The Apple Valley Police Department is actively seeking tips regarding his whereabouts. Anyone with information is urged to call 911 immediately or contact the Apple Valley Police Department at 952-322-2323.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers of Minnesota via their online tip form. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to Medina Rojas’s arrest.
Police caution the public not to approach Medina Rojas if spotted. He is considered dangerous.
Note: Criminal charges are not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
GoFundMe Campaign for the Family
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help Aguilar’s mother, Tere, and his siblings — Angel, Pepe, Ximena, and Zoe — cover funeral expenses and navigate the difficult days ahead. Donations can be made at: https://gofund.me/c3ead3bb
Additional Coverage
Investigation Underway After Man Found Dead in Apple Valley
Homicide Victim Suffered Multiple Stab Wounds; Suspect Identified in Apple Valley Investigation
Victim in Apple Valley Homicide Identified as 21-Year-Old Daniel Aguilar; Family Launches GoFundMe for Funeral Support
Written by: Will Wight
