AUTOPSY: Downwind died of strangulation: Bemidji man now faces new murder charge

BEMIDJI -- A Bemidji man now faces an amended murder charge in the death of Rose Downwind after an autopsy report stated the Redby woman died of strangulation and not from being pushed down a flight of stairs.

Marchello Anthony Cimmarusti, 40, was charged with second-degree murder in December after leading authorities to Downwind’s burned body in a shallow grave northeast of Bemidji. He told investigators Downwind died Oct. 20 after the two had an argument and he inadvertently pushed her down the stairs at his residence in south Bemidji.

However, an amended complaint filed Monday in 9th District Court altered the count against Cimmarusti from second-degree murder without intent to second-degree intentional murder.

http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/3938603-autopsy-downwind-died-strangulation-bemidji-man-now-faces-new-murder-charge