Little evidence of political argument before teen’s death in North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — There’s little indication that an 18-year-old who died after being struck by an SUV in North Dakota was a political extremist like the driving force claimed.

Investigators say not one of the witnesses they’ve interviewed assist the concept there was a political argument earlier than authorities say Shannon Brandt struck Cayler Ellingson along with his automobile on Sept. 18 in McHenry, and a household buddy who knew the teenager mentioned he wasn’t energetic in politics.

Courtroom paperwork mentioned Brandt informed a 911 dispatcher that he felt threatened after having a political argument with Ellingson, and that he believed the teenager was a part of a “Republican extremist group.”

North Dakota Freeway Patrol Capt. Bryan Niewind mentioned Friday that authorities have talked to dozens of witnesses and plan to speak to extra as they attempt to get a greater image of precisely what occurred earlier than the crash.

“I am unable to get into particulars about what the witnesses are describing to us. However what I can let you know is that this isn’t political in nature in any respect,” he mentioned, including: “There isn’t any proof to assist Brandt’s declare on the 911 name that Mr. Ellingson was a Republican extremist. There isn’t any proof to assist that each one via our continued investigation.”

He additionally mentioned there is no such thing as a proof to assist Brandt’s declare that Ellingson was calling others to come back damage Brandt. He has been charged with legal vehicular murder and leaving the scene of a deadly crash. Niewind mentioned there may be the potential that these expenses may change because the investigation continues.

Officers have additionally mentioned {that a} breath check confirmed that Brandt’s blood alcohol degree was above the authorized restrict to drive when he was arrested.

Brandt hasn’t responded to messages since he was freed on bond, and nobody answered Sunday at a telephone quantity listed for him. On-line data don’t record an lawyer for him, and a message left with the court docket to see if he has an lawyer was not returned.

Ellingson’s members of the family, who’re planning to carry his funeral on Monday, have declined to debate his loss of life.

Justin McDonald, proprietor of Buck-It is Bar & Grill in New Rockford, North Dakota, mentioned he is aware of the Ellingson household properly, and that Cayler’s grandmother labored on the bar for about six years. He mentioned Ellingson loved autocross racing, searching and being on the household cabin at Lake Juanita when he wasn’t finding out to be an ultrasound technician.

McDonald mentioned “there was completely nothing political in him that I’ve ever seen,” so he doubts Brandt’s declare that there was a political argument.

“That is absurd as a result of Cayler lives in a city with lower than 40 folks in it. There is no Republican, no matter, issues happening right here,” McDonald mentioned. “It is a group the place our primary purpose often for the month is: Who’s down and out, now, let’s assist them out.”

McHenry is about 150 miles northeast of Bismarck.