St. Paul man sentenced to over 30 years in 2023 Isanti County homicide case

A St. Paul man was sentenced to 30 and a half years in prison on Monday after pleading guilty to his role in a 2023 burglary turned homicide case in Isanti County in June.

According to the state attorney general’s office, Gerald Downs and two other individuals dressed as police officers and burglarized a Spencer Brook Township ranch that was a purported drug stash house in December of 2023.

During the burglary, one of Downs' codefendants shot and killed Jose De Jesus Diaz Fernandes.

At his June plea hearing, Downs said he was "100% responsible" for actions that led to the victim's death.

He admitted to participating in the crime, dressing as a police officer, kicking in the front door of the ranch, and fleeing after the shooting.

Codefendant Fredy Saavedra Olivar was previously sentenced to more than 30 years in prison for his role in the case. A third codefendant, Abraham Houle, will be sentenced on Sept. 2.

In a news release, Attorney General Keith Ellison wrote: “My heart goes out to the Spencer Brook Township community and all those affected by the violence that took place there in December of 2023. I am grateful to all those who helped bring the perpetrators of that violence to justice. Heinous acts like this tear at the fabric of a community, and when law enforcement turns to my office for help prosecuting those responsible, we are proud to answer the call. I will continue to do everything in my power to seek justice, uphold the rule of law, and defend the safety of Minnesotans.”