Bemidji and state authorities said Thursday that foul play is suspected in the disappearance of a 31-year-old mother of five, and they have identified two men as "persons of interest." One of the men is the father of at least three of the woman's children.

Rose Downwind, of Redby, has been missing since Oct. 21. Downwind is the granddaughter of American Indian Movement co-founder Dennis Banks.

Last week, Banks succeeded in getting bounty hunter Duane "Dog" Chapman to donate $10,000 as a reward for information leading to Downwind's safe return. Chapman, the former star of A&E's "Dog the Bounty Hunter" reality show, has agreed to assist in the search.

Bemidji Police Chief Mike Mastin said authorities suspect foul play in Downwind's disappearance.

The chief said the two "persons of interest" are Marchello Anthony Cimmarusti, 40, of Bemidji, and Christopher John Davis, 27, of the Twin Cities. He said police have spoken to the men.

The chief said investigators want to "obtain help from the public in placing them or the vehicle in this area" around the time that Downwind disappeared.

Randy Salas, Star Tribune
Rose Downwind

Attorney Kristine Kolar said Thursday that she is advising Davis and confirmed that law enforcement has "been in contact with him. He is not in any way, shape or form on the run."

Rosewind and Cimmarusti are the parents of children ages 6, 2 and 1, according to state records. Also, court filings name the two in cases involving guardianship, financial support and domestic abuse.

Authorities described a vehicle they believe is connected to the case and has been located. It is a pewter-colored 2002 GMC Yukon, with Minnesota license plate 325MGP.

Downwind was last spotted leaving a home on Stoner Avenue in southeast Bemidji on the morning of Oct. 21, police said. Relatives have not heard from her since Oct. 19.

She was last seen wearing a blue sweater and black pants and is described as 5 feet 4 inches tall, 120 pounds with a light brown, clear complexion.

The chief also said Thursday that the investigation has been focused on an area north of Bemidji that includes Lake Bemidji State Park and the Buena Vista State Forest between the north end of Lake Bemidji and Lindgren Road, between County Roads 9 and 23.

Authorities are asking home and property owners in the area to check structures and their land for any signs of suspicious activity, including trespassing, recent fires or disturbed ground. Additionally, hunters are being asked to check their trail cameras for suspicious activity and images of the vehicle or Cimmarusti or Davis.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 1-218-333-9111.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482