Ian Cramer, the adult son of U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer, is set to change his plea on Friday regarding a fatal crash that resulted in the death of a North Dakota sheriff’s deputy in December 2023. Ian Cramer, aged 43, faces charges including homicide while fleeing a peace officer, preventing arrest, reckless endangerment, fleeing an officer, and drug- and driving-related offenses in connection with the incident that claimed the life of Mercer County Sheriff’s Deputy Paul Martin, aged 53.
Initially charged with manslaughter, Ian Cramer saw his charges elevated to homicide, a crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison and/or a $20,000 fine. In April, Cramer pleaded not guilty to these charges. A notice filed recently indicated his intention to change his plea, although details were not provided in court filings.
Ian Cramer, whose father is a Republican senator seeking reelection, is described by his father as suffering from severe mental disorders involving paranoia and hallucinations. The tragic events unfolded after Ian’s mother had taken him to a hospital due to mental health concerns. Court documents reveal that Ian took control of his parents’ vehicle and led officers on a high-speed chase that ended in a fatal crash involving Deputy Martin.
At speeds exceeding 100 mph (160 kph), Ian Cramer evaded attempts to stop him, even after his tires were deflated by a spiked device. Despite roadblocks, Cramer collided head-on with Deputy Martin’s patrol vehicle, launching the deputy around 100 feet (30 meters) away and resulting in his death.
In addition to the charges related to the fatal crash, Ian Cramer faces separate felony charges for theft, criminal mischief, and reckless endangerment linked to the hospital incident. A jury trial for these charges was scheduled for November. Currently incarcerated at McLean County Jail in Washburn on a $500,000 cash bail, Ian Cramer awaits legal proceedings following the tragic events that transpired last year.
