Man gets nearly 25 years in prison for role in Isanti County cartel-related murder

A man was sentenced Thursday to nearly 25 years in prison for his role in a cartel-related murder in Isanti County.

42-year-old Jose De Jesus Diaz Fernandez was fatally shot on Dec. 13, 2023, in Spencer Brook Township.

Abraham Alexander Houle, 43, pleaded guilty to aiding an offender and first-degree burglary in May. One count of second-degree murder and one count of first-degree burglary were dismissed at sentencing.

Three other defendants were charged in the murder:

Jesse Mateo Rodrigues

Fredy Saavedra Olivar

Jerold Allen Downs

RELATED: 4 arrested in connection with Isanti County homicide

Olivar was found guilty in a jury trial and was later sentenced to 30.5 years. Downs entered a guilty plea and was sentenced to 30.5 years.

RELATED: Man sentenced to 30½ years for role in Isanti County murder | Man who planned burglary turned homicide sentenced to over 30 years

The final defendant, Rodrigues, is scheduled to go to trial at the beginning of January.

CLICK HERE to read more about the case.

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