North Dakota man gets 5-year sentence for running over teen labeled ‘Republican extremist’.
A Tragic Incident: North Dakota Man Sentenced for Fatally Striking Teenager
In a shocking turn of events, a North Dakota man has been sentenced to five years in prison for the tragic death of 18-year-old Cayler Ellingson. The incident occurred in McHenry, North Dakota, on September 18, 2022, when Shannon Brandt, then 41-years-old, struck and ran over Ellingson with his SUV in the early morning hours.
The case gained widespread attention on social media after it was revealed that Brandt claimed Ellingson was a “Republican extremist” and expressed fear that the teenager was calling friends to harm him. However, investigators have since clarified that there was no evidence to support Brandt’s claim. Nevertheless, they believe that Brandt’s actions were politically motivated.
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Initially, Brandt fled the scene but later returned to call 911. He admitted to consuming alcohol before the incident and still smelled of alcohol when he was found hours later. Foster County State’s Attorney Kara Brinster charged Brandt with felony murder, stating that he “intentionally or knowingly caused the death of another human being… under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life.”
However, the charges were later reduced to manslaughter, and Brandt entered a plea deal. On September 8, Foster County Judge Bradley Cruff sentenced Brandt to manslaughter, a felony that carries a maximum punishment of 10 years in prison. Brandt will receive credit for the time he spent in custody before the conviction.
In a heartbreaking moment during the court proceedings, Cayler’s mother pleaded with the judge to impose the maximum punishment for manslaughter, stating, “Shannon, you took a piece of our family that’s not replaceable. When you chose to take Cayler’s life and happiness, you took ours too. You have caused our family endless pain, heartache, sleepless nights. Our days, months, and years will never be the same because of your selfishness.”
Cayler Ellingson, a recent graduate of Carrington High School, had dreams of becoming an ultrasound technician at Bismarck State College. His untimely death has left a void in the lives of his loved ones, who will forever mourn his loss.
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