January 19, 2003

1/19/03: Jeremy Stienkeoway, Hinckley, MN

After checking in to the Grand Casino Hotel in Hinckley, Minnesota, Jeremy Stienkeoway went for a drive and never came back. He was reported missing the following day after he failed to show up for work.

On Jan. 28, Stienkeoway's car, a 1994 Ford Thunderbird was found by Burnett County Sheriff's deputies parked alongside the St. Croix River near Grantsburg, Wisconsin. Grantsburg is in northwest Wisconsin, approximately 45 minutes southeast of the casino where he was last seen. The car was not damaged, and it was still locked with his cell phone, wallet and belongings inside. There was a single set of footprints leaving the vehicle, but it was unclear where they were headed. There was no sign of a struggle nearby.

A video surveillance tape thought to have shown Stienkeoway at the casino with another man yielded no leads. It is now thought that Stienkeoway was alone at the casino, but why he went to the river is not known.

Research indicates the Stienkeoway was a victim of a violent crime less than two months before he disappeared. On November 4, 2003, Stienkeoway was working at the Delano Theatre when it was robbed at 12:42 a.m. Stienkeoway was bound with duct tape and severely beaten in the head and face by two suspects wearing ski masks. Police say the robbery is not thought to be related to his later disappearance.

Search and Recovery
On Jan. 30, an ice fisherman found Stienkeoway's body about two miles downstream from where his car was found. His car keys were in his pocket. A Ramsey County Coroner's report shows that Stinkeoway drowned, but there was no evidence of trauma, indicating a struggle. Police believe he may have fallen through thin ice on the river.

Facts of Interest
Name/age: Jeremy Michael Steinkeoway, 24
Residence: Lakeville, MN
Last seen: 1/19/03, Hinckley, MN
Reported missing: 1/20/03
Found: 4/10/03, St. Croix River, Grantsburg, WI
Cause of death: Drowning

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