Jury convicts Deshon Bonnell for Hibbing Homicide

A jury has found Deshon Israel Bonnell, 23, guilty of Premediated Murder in the First Degree and Murder in the First Degree While Committing or Attempting to Commit Kidnapping for an incident that occurred in Hibbing on January 6, 2019. The charges carry a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of release.

Bonnell is charged for the death of Joshua Robert 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 of Joshua LaValley. He was a son, a father, a brother, an uncle, and a nephew,” County Attorney Kim Maki said. “This has been a long road to justice. Mr. LaValley’s family has shown the utmost strength, and we thank them for their support throughout the criminal justice process.”

Bonnell’s sentencing is scheduled for June 18, 2024.