Shannon Brandt, a North Dakota man, was sentenced to five years in prison for the death of 18-year-old Cayler Ellingson. The incident occurred in September 2022, following a small-town street dance, when Brandt ran over Ellingson, resulting in his tragic demise. Initially, Brandt claimed the teen was a “Republican extremist” who had threatened him during a political argument. However, authorities later found little evidence to support this political motive.

The case’s political overtones led to widespread public outcry and even garnered the attention of former President Donald Trump, who commented on the circumstances surrounding Ellingson’s death during a rally.

Who is Shannon Brandt?

Shannon Brandt, hailing from Glenfield, North Dakota, came under intense scrutiny following the incident. He eventually pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with Ellingson’s death in May. Originally facing charges of criminal vehicular homicide, which were later dropped, Brandt ultimately pleaded guilty to manslaughter after initially claiming the incident had political undertones.

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The fatal altercation occurred after both Brandt and Ellingson had been drinking, leading to a verbal argument. Brandt, behind the wheel of his SUV, struck Ellingson, knocking him down, and tragically driving over his torso and legs. An autopsy later confirmed that Ellingson was on the ground when the fatal injury occurred.

Following the incident, Brandt called 911 and reported the accident, requesting an ambulance. However, he allegedly left the scene before law enforcement officers arrived, only to be arrested later at his residence in Glenfield, where he was found to be “visibly intoxicated.”

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In a recent court ruling, a state district court judge sentenced Brandt to five years in prison, with credit for nearly a year already served. This sentence is accompanied by three years of supervised probation and a yearlong suspension of his driver’s license. The charge carried a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $20,000 fine, or both.