WASHBURN, N.D. (trfnews.i234.me) – Ian Cramer, 43, son of U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer, entered a not guilty plea to charges including homicide in connection with a December 6 crash that resulted in the death of a North Dakota sheriff’s deputy.
Cramer, facing felony charges of homicide, preventing arrest, reckless endangerment, and fleeing an officer, along with misdemeanors and other offenses, waived his preliminary hearing. A jury trial is set for July after the charge was escalated from manslaughter to homicide.
During the brief court appearance, Cramer interacted with the state District Judge and conferred with his public defender. His mother reportedly took him to a hospital due to mental health concerns prior to the incident.
According to court documents, Cramer fled from deputies in Hazen, reaching speeds over 100 mph, leading to a fatal crash with Deputy Paul Martin’s patrol vehicle. Martin, 53, lost his life in the collision.
Previously, Cramer pleaded not guilty to separate charges related to an incident at the hospital. Senator Cramer stated his son suffers from severe mental disorders.
Awaiting a criminal responsibility evaluation, Cramer is held at McLean County Jail on a $500,000 cash bail.