Sen. Kevin Cramer’s son sentenced to prison for killing deputy while fleeing

Ian Cramer, the son of U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., has been sentenced to 28 years in prison for the tragic death of Mercer County Sheriff’s Deputy Paul Martin. The incident occurred on December 6, 2023, when Cramer was fleeing law enforcement and was involved in a crash that took Deputy Martin’s life.

State District Judge Bobbi Weiler handed down the sentence, which includes 10 years suspended, three years of probation, and credit for time served. She emphasized that Cramer may not serve the entire 28-year sentence due to the absence of mandatory minimums, providing him with an opportunity for parole. Weiler urged Cramer to seek treatment for his addiction and mental health issues.

Prosecutors revealed that Cramer had admitted to using methamphetamine and bath salts on the day of the incident, leading to a mentally unstable state. The events unfolded as Cramer’s mother was taking him to a hospital in Bismarck for mental health concerns. Cramer took control of the vehicle when his mother exited, crashing through a hospital door in the process.

Law enforcement officers attempted to stop Cramer in Hazen, but he evaded capture, reaching speeds exceeding 100 mph. Despite deploying spiked devices that punctured two tires, Cramer continued driving recklessly. The fatal crash occurred when Cramer swerved to avoid additional spikes, colliding head-on with Deputy Martin’s patrol car, resulting in the deputy’s tragic death.

Initially pleading not guilty to the charges in April, Cramer later changed his plea to guilty in September. The charges against him included homicide while fleeing a police officer, reckless endangerment, possession of drugs, and driving offenses. The homicide charge alone carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Cramer’s mother, Kris, expressed remorse in court and acknowledged her responsibility for the tragic outcome. Sen. Cramer has previously disclosed his son’s struggles with severe mental health disorders, citing paranoia and hallucinations. Despite the circumstances, Sen. Cramer emphasized that everyone, including his son, must take accountability for the choices that led to this devastating event.

The senator, who recently secured a second term in office, expressed disappointment in the casual dismissal of mental health considerations by the court and prosecutors. The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing mental health issues and providing support to individuals in need.

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