In the early morning hours of September 9, 2017, a dispute in South Minneapolis turned deadly, claiming the life of 46-year-old Michael Edward Rekow. A white male, Rekow was found deceased in his car which had crashed into a freeway sound wall on the 4500 block of Stevens Avenue South. The cause of his death was a gunshot wound to the head.
The events leading to Rekow's death began with a confrontation over stolen property. Rekow, accompanied by his girlfriend, was approached by Ernesto Fabian Anthony Rivera, then 40 years old, and another man. An argument ensued, and as Rekow attempted to drive away, Rivera opened fire, striking him. His girlfriend, who was present in the car at the time of the shooting, was able to provide police with a description of the events and identified Rivera.
Based on the witness testimony and surveillance video from the area, Minneapolis police were able to identify Rivera as the suspect. He was later located at a residence in St. Paul and arrested. Rivera was subsequently charged with second-degree murder in connection with Rekow's death.
In September 2018, Ernesto Rivera pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. This plea was part of an agreement to avoid a potential life sentence on a first-degree murder charge. He was sentenced to a term of 37 ½ years in prison for his role in the shooting death of Michael Rekow.
