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BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — There’s little indication that an 18-year-old who died after being struck by an SUV in North Dakota was a political extremist like the motive force claimed.
Investigators say not one of the witnesses they’ve interviewed help the concept there was a political argument earlier than authorities say Shannon Brandt struck Cayler Ellingson together with his automobile on Sept. 18 in McHenry, and a household buddy who knew the teenager stated he wasn’t lively in politics.
Court docket paperwork stated Brandt informed a 911 dispatcher that he felt threatened after having a political argument with Ellingson, and that he believed the teenager was a part of a “Republican extremist group.”
North Dakota Freeway Patrol Capt. Bryan Niewind stated Friday that authorities have talked to dozens of witnesses and plan to speak to extra as they attempt to get a greater image of precisely what occurred earlier than the crash.
“I can’t get into particulars about what the witnesses are describing to us. However what I can let you know is that this isn’t political in nature in any respect,” he stated, including: “There is no such thing as a proof to help Brandt’s declare on the 911 name that Mr. Ellingson was a Republican extremist. There is no such thing as a proof to help that every one by way of our continued investigation.”
He additionally stated there isn’t a proof to help Brandt’s declare that Ellingson was calling others to come back damage Brandt. He has been charged with felony vehicular murder and leaving the scene of a deadly crash. Niewind stated there may be the potential that these costs may change because the investigation continues.
Officers have additionally stated {that a} breath check confirmed that Brandt’s blood alcohol stage was above the authorized restrict to drive when he was arrested.
Brandt hasn’t responded to messages since he was freed on bond, and nobody answered Sunday at a telephone quantity listed for him. On-line data don’t record an lawyer for him, and a message left with the courtroom to see if he has an lawyer was not returned.
Ellingson’s relations, who’re planning to carry his funeral on Monday, have declined to debate his demise.
Justin McDonald, proprietor of Buck-It’s Bar & Grill in New Rockford, North Dakota, stated he is aware of the Ellingson household nicely, and that Cayler’s grandmother labored on the bar for about six years. He stated Ellingson loved autocross racing, searching and being on the household cabin at Lake Juanita when he wasn’t finding out to be an ultrasound technician.
McDonald stated “there was completely nothing political in him that I’ve ever seen,” so he doubts Brandt’s declare that there was a political argument.
“That is absurd as a result of Cayler lives in a city with lower than 40 folks in it. There’s no Republican, no matter, issues happening right here,” McDonald stated. “It is a group the place our primary purpose often for the month is: Who’s down and out, now, let’s assist them out.”
McHenry is about 150 miles (240 kilometers) northeast of Bismarck.
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