Deshon Bonnell sentenced to life in prison for 2019 Hibbing murder

Deshon Israel Bonnell, 23, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of release on June 18 for the premeditated murder of Joshua Robert LaValley in January 2019 in Hibbing. A jury convicted Bonnell back in May.

Bonnell was convicted for the death of LaValley whom he shot twice on the Mesabi Trail in 2019. Bonnell had pleaded guilty to the crime back in 2019 and was sentenced to life in prison, but Bonnell appealed the sentencing. Bonnell’s current jury trial began on May 13, 2024.

“Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of Mr. LaValley, whose life was cut short due to this monstrous act,” County Attorney Kim Maki said. “Although there is no legal consequence that can repair the loss, Mr. Bonnell’s mandatory life sentence without the possibility of release demonstrates that such a heinous act will not be tolerated by our community.”

The case was prosecuted by Range Criminal Division Head Bonnie Norlander and Assistant County Attorney Tyler Kenefick.