December 28, 2022 update:
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Officer has formally identified the body found in New Market Township on December 23, 2022, as 34-year old Alexander Stenberg of Bloomington, Minnesota.
Through the initial investigation, it is believed that Stenberg may have stolen a 2014 white Chrysler Town and Country van out of Burnsville around 2:50 a.m. that morning. At approximately 3:16 a.m., Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatch Center received a call of a vehicle matching the above description (it had not been reported stolen at this time) that was located in a ditch at the interchange of Interstate 35 and County Road 2. Deputies located the vehicle and did not find anybody in or around the vehicle. Minnesota State Patrol later towed the vehicle.
Stenberg’s body was located near this area by a passerby at approximately 8:47 a.m. that morning in subzero temperatures.
A witness has since come forward indicating that they spoke to an individual matching Stenberg’s description walking in this area at approximately 3:00 a.m. who declined their offer to help.
Preliminary evidence indicates Stenberg may have died as a result of cold weather exposure; however, the official cause and manner of death remains pending toxicology results which could take up to 60 days to complete.
This case remains under investigation. No further information will be released at this time.
###
__________
December 23, 2022 press release:
On December 23, 2022, at 8:47 a.m., the Scott County Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatch Center received a report of a body located near the northbound exit ramp from County Road 2 (260th Street East/Deuce Road) onto Interstate 35 in New Market Township.
Deputies were dispatched to the scene where they located the body of a deceased male at the above location.
“Our investigators will be working with the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office to make an identification and determine the circumstances surrounding this death,” said Sheriff Luke Hennen. “The investigation is ongoing and no further information will be released at this time.”
If anyone has any information that could assist investigators with this case, please contact the Scott County Sheriff’s Office on the non-emergency line at 952-445-1411. Crime tips can also be submitted online using the online form found on the Sheriff’s Office website under “Community.” If you’d like to submit an anonymous tip, you can call Crime Stoppers toll free from anywhere in Minnesota (1-800-222-TIPS [8477]) or use their online form on their website at www.CrimeStoppersMN.org.
There is no danger to the public.
The Scott County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Burnsville Police Department, Elko New Market Police Department, Elko New Market Fire Department, the Shakopee Police Department, and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
###