Ian Cramer, son of U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), received a 28-year prison sentence for the death of Mercer County Sheriff's Deputy Paul Martin. The fatal incident occurred on December 6, 2023, during a high-speed chase.
Judge Bobbi Weiler handed down the sentence, which includes 38 years with 10 suspended, along with three years of probation and credit for time served. Judge Weiler acknowledged that due to the absence of mandatory minimums, Cramer may serve less than the full 28 years. She encouraged him to seek treatment for addiction and mental health issues during his incarceration.
On the day of the incident, Cramer's mother was transporting him to a Bismarck hospital due to mental health concerns. He took control of the vehicle after she exited and fled, crashing through a hospital door. Deputies confronted him in Hazen, but Cramer initiated a high-speed chase exceeding 100 mph. Despite deployed spike strips deflating two tires, Cramer continued to flee, ultimately colliding head-on with Deputy Martin's vehicle. Deputy Martin was pronounced dead at the hospital.
According to Mercer County State's Attorney Todd Schwarz, Cramer admitted to using methamphetamine and bath salts on the day of the incident, attributing his actions to the long-term effects of drug-induced mental instability.
Cramer initially pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including homicide while fleeing a police officer, but later changed his plea to guilty. The homicide charge alone carries a potential 20-year sentence.
During the court proceedings, Cramer's mother, Kris, expressed remorse and accepted responsibility for the events leading to Deputy Martin's death. Senator Cramer has previously stated that his son struggles with severe mental health challenges, including paranoia and hallucinations. While commending law enforcement and the court, Senator Cramer expressed disappointment over what he perceived as a casual dismissal of mental health concerns.
The recently re-elected Senator acknowledged that his son's choices, regardless of his mental state, ultimately led to the tragic outcome.
