MAPLETON, MN – A Minnesota man faces charges of second-degree murder after allegedly fatally stabbing his father and fleeing the scene in a bizarre series of events earlier this week. Troy Blaine Almhjeld, 47, was apprehended on Tuesday following the discovery of his 71-year-old father’s body in their shared Mapleton residence.
Authorities responded to a report early Tuesday morning about an abandoned vehicle near Terrace View Golf Course, off Highway 22 South, approximately 80 miles southwest of Minneapolis. A passerby had reported the car off the road and its driver, later identified as Troy Almhjeld, seeking a ride while appearing intoxicated.
Law enforcement’s initial efforts to locate Troy were unsuccessful, but a check of the vehicle’s registration led officers to his father, Blaine Lars Almhjeld’s home. Upon arrival, responders discovered the elder Almhjeld deceased, showing clear signs of a violent assault, with multiple stab wounds indicating a grievous attack.
The vehicle and Troy Almhjeld’s erratic behavior quickly drew suspicion, prompting a more extensive search effort. While authorities scoured the area surrounding Highway 22, Troy Almhjeld emerged from nearby woods and presented himself to the deputies, ensuing his immediate arrest.
Evidence collected from the scene, including a bloodied kitchen knife, seemingly linked Troy directly to the fatal confrontation. Further details from court documents painted a grim picture: the elder Almhjeld was found with several puncture wounds and a deep chest laceration, challenges investigators believe matches the recovered knife.
Upon his arrest, Troy allegedly shared a bewildering account of having been forced off the road by another driver and spending time in the river, alongside querying about his father’s condition and acknowledging a disagreement between them earlier in the evening.
In a peculiar exchange with authorities, Troy spoke of several inexplicable events preceding the night’s tragic outcome, though he refrained from elaborating on the mysterious happenings or the nature of their argument.
Currently in custody, Troy Almhjeld is scheduled for a court appearance on Thursday. The case has left the local community in shock as they grapple with the tragic death of Blaine Almhjeld and the allegations against his son.