Police: Driver admitted to intentionally killing teen at North Dakota street dance after political dispute

McHENRY, N.D. — Based on courtroom papers, it was not an accident however apparently a politically motivated assault.

The deadly vehicle-pedestrian incident occurred early Sunday morning, Sept. 18, in McHenry, North Dakota, about 120 miles northwest of Fargo and 54 miles north of Jamestown.

Prosecutors allege moments earlier than he was killed, 18-year-old Cayler Ellingson referred to as his mother to return rescue him as a result of 41-year-old Shannon Brandt was chasing him within the metropolis of McHenry, the place the road dance had simply wrapped up.

By the point she may get there, her son was useless.

Brandt was formally charged Monday with vehicular murder and leaving the scene of a lethal accident.

“He was the one who referred to as 911 to report the crash,” mentioned North Dakota Freeway Patrol Capt. Bryan Niewind.

Court docket papers present Brandt referred to as 911 round 2:30 a.m. Sunday and informed the 911 dispatcher that he simply hit Ellingson, claiming the teenager was a part of a Republican extremist group and was calling folks to return get Brandt after a political argument.

Ellingson’s mother informed police her son referred to as her simply earlier than the crash, asking if she knew Brandt, which she does. She doesn’t imagine her son knew him.

“We’re nonetheless making an attempt to find out what, precisely, transpired on the time of crash and previous to that as nicely,” defined Niewind.

Police say Brandt was drunk when he hit and killed Ellingson along with his SUV.

“We have no idea of any witnesses. We’re nonetheless making makes an attempt to interview potential witnesses from the road dance, those that had been current previous to the crash occurring,” Niewind mentioned.

A choose ordered Brandt held on $50,000, which he objected, saying he isn’t a flight danger.

“I’ve a job, a life and a home and issues I do not wish to see go by the wayside — household which can be essential to me,” Brandt informed the choose.

If convicted on the vehicular murder cost, Brandt would face a minimal of 10 years in jail due to a DUI on his report.

The utmost for the crime is 20 years.

Troopers say because the investigation develops, they might suggest extra critical fees.