# Fargo man pleads guilty in 2020 drive-by murder

> Jesse James Burnett agrees to plead guilty to killing Santino Marial and conspiring to assault a witness in the case.
- Title: Fargo man pleads guilty in 2020 drive-by murder | Shortify
- Summary: Jesse James Burnett agrees to plead guilty to killing Santino Marial and conspiring to assault a witness in the case. Burnett will serve 40 years for the…
- Keywords: jesse james burnett, santino marial, fargo, drive-by shooting, murder, witness tampering, drug trafficking, plea agreement, cass county jail, federal charges, news, local
- Source: Valleynewslive — https://valleynewslive.com/2026/09/17/fargo-man-agrees-plead-guilty-drive-by-killing-jailhouse-witness-assault-case
- Published: 2026-09-17T21:12:46.481+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: jesse james burnett, santino marial, fargo, drive-by shooting, murder, witness tampering, drug trafficking, plea agreement, cass county jail, federal charges, news, local
## Fargo man agrees to guilty plea
Jesse James Burnett, 29, has agreed to plead guilty to federal charges in the 2020 murder of Santino Marial and a conspiracy to assault a witness in the investigation.
## The 2020 drive-by shooting
Santino Marial was killed in a drive-by shooting at an apartment garage in Fargo on August 28, 2020. Burnett was arrested in 2022 after a two-year investigation.
## Witness assault in jail
Co-conspirator Daniel Saydee Cisse assaulted a witness inside Cass County Jail on January 14, 2023, punching, kicking and stabbing him with a pencil to prevent testimony.
## Co-conspirators face sentences
Daniel Saydee Cisse is serving 11 years for witness tampering, and Shaquiel Mendez was convicted at trial in December 2024 for his role in the same conspiracy.
## Burnett faces 40 years
Prosecutors recommend 40 years for the murder charge, 30 years for witness tampering, and 20 years for drug trafficking, with sentences running concurrently.
## Judge must approve plea deal
Burnett waives his right to trial and most appeal rights under the agreement, but a federal judge must still accept the plea before it becomes final.
## Key takeaway

Burnett will serve 40 years for the 2020 murder, with prosecutors recommending concurrent sentences on related charges.