Driver Sentenced to 5 Years in State Prison for Fatal Accident After Street Dance

Shannon Brandt, aged 42, was sentenced to five years in state prison on Friday for a tragic incident that took the life of 18-year-old Cayler Ellingson. The incident occurred after a street dance event in McHenry, North Dakota, back on September 18, 2022.

According to prosecutors, Brandt fatally ran over Ellingson using his 2003 Ford Explorer following an argument between them. A North Dakota State Patrol officer’s arrest affidavit revealed that Brandt called 911 during the incident, stating that Ellingson “wouldn’t let me leave.” Brandt also claimed that Ellingson was calling others to confront him.

“He got on my vehicle, and I couldn’t get him away from me,” Brandt explained, referring to Ellingson. “He was threatening me. He was saying something about some Republican extremist group, saying, ‘I thought he was part of us.’”

Ellingson suffered severe injuries and was rushed to a local hospital but, unfortunately, did not survive. Initially, Brandt left the scene but later returned and called 911.

Charges and Legal Proceedings

Originally charged with criminal vehicular manslaughter, Brandt’s charges were later upgraded to murder by Forster County State’s Attorney Kara Brinster. However, on May 2, the charges were reduced to manslaughter, and Brandt pleaded guilty on May 18.

At the sentencing, it was revealed that Brandt would receive credit for time served during his house arrest, effectively reducing his prison time by almost a year. Following his release, he will undergo three years of supervised probation.

The Medical Examiner’s Report

The North Dakota State Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an investigation into the incident and concluded that it was an accident. Their report indicated that Brandt was attempting to avoid a confrontation with Ellingson when he ran him over with his 2003 Ford Explorer.

Emotional Statements

During the sentencing, Judge Bradley Cruff took into account Brandt’s autism diagnosis, which experts believed had contributed to an exaggerated reaction in the situation with Ellingson. While acknowledging that Brandt did not intentionally run over Ellingson, Judge Cruff pointed out that Ellingson’s death resulted from Brandt’s reckless actions, fueled by alcohol consumption.

Cayler’s mother, Sheri Ellingson, requested that the judge not follow the plea agreement and instead impose the maximum sentence for manslaughter, which is 10 years. She emotionally expressed the profound impact on their family, stating, “Shannon, you took a piece of our family that’s not replaceable.”

Brandt also addressed the court before being sentenced, expressing deep remorse and sorrow for the tragedy. His attorney, Mark Friese, stated that Brandt was relieved the matter was concluded and hoped the affected parties could begin the healing process.

The incident was previously misreported as having a political motive, but North Dakota Highway Patrol Capt. Bryan Niewind clarified that there was “no evidence” to support such claims.

[Original reporting by Adam Sabes, Fox News Digital]