The discovery of Downwind’s body comes after almost two months of investigation by multiple local, state, and federal agencies.
Advertisement
Mastin said the ex-boyfriend was arrested and will likely be charged with second-degree murder.
Christopher Davis is still a person of interest in the disappearance of Downwind, but is not in custody or awaiting formal charges in connection with her death at this time.
Cimmarusti was picked up on domestic abuse charges stemming from an incident at his home October 6 involving Downwind.
According to the Beltrami, MN county jail website, Cimmarusti was already being held on a domestic assault charge and was charged with second-degree murder in this case on December 7th.
As a result of this collaborative effort a body has been located and exhumed from a shallow grave northwest of the City of Bemidji.
Detectives think key clues may be hidden in Lake Bemidji State Park and the Buena Vista State Forest prompting numerous searches by thousands of volunteers. A body was recovered and sent to the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy and identity confirmation. “The investigator working on the case told me Marchello admitted he killed her”, said Cornette.
“We come to you today with great sadness in our hearts, because this is not the ending we had hoped and prayed for”, said Dwa Weston, the cousin of Rose Downwind.
Advertisement
Downwind is also the granddaughter of American Indian Movement Co-founder Dennis Banks. “Although we are hurt, we have peace knowing that Rose is with the Creator and that she will never be hurt again”, Weston said. “And as we move forward toward justice” said Westin.
