Murder Charges upgraded in Rose Downwind’s Death

Prosecutors have charged a Bemidji man with intentionally killing his ex-girlfriend after an autopsy revealed she was strangled. 

40-year-old Marchello Cimmarusti was charged this week in Beltrami County with Second Degree Intentional Murder in the death of Rose Downwind of Redby. 

According to the Star Tribune, the charge against Cimmarusti was upgraded from second-degree murder without intent. 

Downwind went missing in October, prompting an extensive search.  Her burned body was found in a shallow grave in a wooded area northwest of Bemidji in December. 

Cimmarusti told police he accidentally killed Downwind during an argument, however, an autopsy found ligature wire around her neck. 

Two of Cimmarusti’s friends are accused of helping bury Downwind’s body.