Son of Republican senator charged with homicide
The son of U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer is now charged with homicide in the death of a Mercer County sheriff’s deputy.
Ian Cramer, 42, is accused of killing Deputy Paul Martin during a high speed chase on Dec. 6. Cramer initially was charged with manslaughter, but amended court records signed Thursday elevate the charge to homicide while fleeing a peace officer, a class A felony.
The homicide charge carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, while the manslaughter charge Cramer initially faced carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison. Prosecutors also filed additional charges related to illegal drug possession.
Mercer County State’s Attorney Todd Schwarz said in a motion that he was requesting to file amended charges because of additional evidence.
Sen. Cramer, R-N.D., has said his son suffers from mental disorders that include paranoia and hallucinations. The Dec. 6 incident began when Cramer’s wife, Kris, took their son to the emergency room because of concerns for their mental health.
After his mother got out of the vehicle, Ian Cramer got behind the wheel and drove off, according to a statement from Sen. Cramer.
Ian Cramer fled from law enforcement, reaching speeds of over 100 mph, court records say.
Martin was preparing to deploy a tire-deflation device to stop the chase. Cramer’s vehicle veered and crashed head-on into Martin’s unoccupied patrol vehicle, according to court records. The patrol vehicle struck Martin, who was standing behind it. Martin was taken by ambulance to Lake Sakakawea Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Cramer also is charged with fleeing a peace officer, preventing arrest and reckless endangerment, all felonies. He also faces misdemeanor charges related to the possession of illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia and driving with a suspended license.
A judge previously set his bond at $500,000 cash and ordered a mental health evaluation. A hearing on the amended charges is scheduled for Monday.
Kevin McCabe, the attorney appointed by the court to represent Cramer, was out of the office Thursday and not available for comment.
Sen. Cramer has not issued a public statement since his initial statement on Dec. 6. A request for comment to Cramer’s office was not immediately returned.
Mourners paid tribute to Martin during a funeral Wednesday in Beulah. Martin had an 18-year law enforcement career.
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