Fredy Saavedra Olivar sentenced to more than 30 years for home invasion turned homicide

Olivar convicted of 2nd degree murder and 1st degree burglary with a dangerous weapon; received a 366-month total sentence

February 12, 2025 (SAINT PAUL) — Today, an Isanti County court sentenced Fredy Saavedra Olivar to 25.5 years in prison for the December 2023 murder of Jose De Jesus Diaz Fernandes. Olivar also received a consecutive 5-year sentence for the home invasion burglary that led to the homicide in which a 2-year-old child was present, for a total sentence of more than 30 years.  In November 2024, the Isanti County court found Olivar guilty of 2nd degree murder and 1st degree burglary after a court trial. 

On December 12-13, 2023, Fredy Saavedra Olivar hired three individuals to dress as police officers and burglarize a Spencer Brook Township ranch, a purported drug stash house. Saavedra Olivar provided the men with a gun, drugs, and the stash house’s address. He also coordinated with them by phone moments before the crime. During the burglary, Jose De Jesus Diaz Fernandes was shot and killed. Four other individuals, including a toddler, were present in the ranch during the crime. Three remaining defendants are pending trial.

Attorney General Ellison’s office prosecuted the case at the request of Isanti County Attorney Jeff Edblad under Minnesota Statutes Sec. 8.01, which provides, “Upon request of the county attorney, the attorney general shall appear in court in such criminal cases as the attorney general deems proper.”

“My heart goes out to Jose De Jesus Diaz Fernandes’s loved ones, and to all those who had to witness the crime orchestrated by Fredy Saavedra Olivar. These are difficult and tragic circumstances for many, and I hope this conviction is able to bring solace to those who need it,” said Attorney General Keith Ellison. “My Office will continue working to improve public safety across our state by partnering with county attorneys and prosecuting criminals who pose a danger to their communities.”

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Isanti County Sheriff’s Office investigated this crime, with assistance from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the East Central Drug Task Force, and the Washington County Drug Task Force.