Duluth man convicted of strangling girlfriend

Dale John Howard, 25, of Duluth was sentenced Monday to 20 years in prison for the murder of his girlfriend. On September 17, Howard took a plea deal on a charge of first-degree murder while committing domestic violence by strangulation.

Victim Alissa Marie Vollan died in the early morning hours of March 22, 2024 in Duluth’s Central Hillside neighborhood.

Original story: https://www.wdio.com/front-page/top-stories/woman-body-found-duluth-man-in-custody/

Vollan had a domestic violence restraining order against Howard, which is why he was sentenced above Minnesota’s presumptive sentencing guideline. Otherwise, these charges would carry 12.5 years in prison.

The St. Louis County Attorney’s Office thanks the Duluth Police Department for their investigation and assistance in the case.

If you or someone you know is experiencing intimate partner violence, it is important to seek help. There are resources available, such as domestic violence hotlines, shelters and counseling services that can provide support and protection. Ending the cycle of abuse often requires both emotional support and professional intervention.

For assistance please contact:

Domestic Violence Intervention Project: theduluthmodel.org; 218-722-2781

American Indian Community Housing Organization: aicho.org; 218-722-2247

Safe Haven: safehavenshelter.org; 218-728-6481

Program to Help Victims of Sexual Violence: pavsa.org; 218-726-1931

Center Against Sexual and Domestic Violence: casda.org; 715-392-3136

Family Peace Advocates: www.affp.org; 218-248-5512

Sexual Assault Program in North St. Louis County: stopsexualviolence.org; 218-749-7227