Home Invasion In Spencer Brook Township Ends With A Conviction

ISANTI (WJON News) -- A man has been found guilty by a jury for his role in a 2023 home invasion and murder in Isanti County.

Get our free mobile app

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison says, after a jury trial lasting more than three weeks, on Wednesday, Jessie Mateo Rodriques was found guilty of second-degree murder and two counts of first-degree burglary.

The crimes took place in December of 2023 on a farm in Spencer Brook Township.  Rodriques and two other people burglarized the home, which was a purported drug stash house.  During the burglary, Rodriques shot and killed Jose Fernandes.

Codefendant Fredy Olivar was previously convicted after a trial for his role in the incident.  Abraham Houle and Gerald Downs pleaded guilty and were sentenced in 2025.

The Minnesota Attorney General's office prosecuted the case on a referral from the Isanti County Attorney.