Man Who Killed Teen and Told 911 the Youth Was a 'Republican Extremist' Pleads Guilty After Murder Charge Is Dropped
A North Dakota man accused of mowing down an 18-year-old with his car because he thought the young man was a “Republican extremist” has pleaded guilty to manslaughter after initially being charged with murder.
Instead of the prospect of life in prison, Shannon Brandt, 42, now faces a maximum sentence of 10 years behind bars in connection with the death of Cayler Ellingson, KVRR-TV reported.
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“Brandt admitted to consuming alcohol before the incident, and stated he hit Ellingson with his car because he had a political argument with him,” KVLY reported.
“Brandt also admitted to deputies that he initially left the crash scene, then returned to call 911, but left again before deputies could arrive.”
Brandt stated in his 911 call that Ellingson was part of a “Republican extremist group” that he feared was “coming to get him.”