ELKO NEW MARKET, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) – An Elko New Market man, 27-year-old Cesar Jeff Cervantes-Montoya, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison after a deadly altercation with his 68-year-old neighbor in January 2022. Cervantes-Montoya admitted to striking his neighbor with a hammer, causing severe head trauma that led to the victim’s death.
The incident occurred on January 5, 2022, when Cervantes-Montoya called 911 and reported the attack. Police arrived at the Main Street residence to find the victim at the bottom of the stairs, suffering from fatal injuries. Cervantes-Montoya received a 40-year sentence, with Minnesota law requiring him to serve at least 26.5 years in prison before eligibility for release.
Scott County Attorney Ron Hocevar emphasized the importance of prosecuting violent crimes to the fullest extent, stating that this case serves as a reminder that acts of violence will not be tolerated in the community.