Senator's Son Sentenced to 28 Years for Fatal Crash While Fleeing Police

Son of U.S. Senator Sentenced to 28 Years for Killing Deputy in Crash

Ian Cramer, the son of U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer, was sentenced to 28 years in prison for the death of Mercer County Sheriff's Deputy Paul Martin. The crash occurred on December 6, 2023, while Cramer was fleeing law enforcement.

Judge Bobbi Weiler sentenced Cramer to 38 years with 10 suspended, three years of probation, and credit for time served. However, due to the non-mandatory nature of the sentence, Cramer is likely to serve a significantly shorter portion of the 28 years.

Cramer admitted to using methamphetamine and bath salts on the day of the incident and experiencing long-term effects of drug use. He was being taken to a hospital in Bismarck by his mother due to mental health concerns when he took control of the vehicle and fled.

Despite attempts by law enforcement to stop him, including deploying spiked devices, Cramer continued driving at high speeds. The crash occurred when he swerved to avoid more spikes and collided head-on with Martin's patrol vehicle.

Cramer initially pleaded not guilty but changed his plea to guilty in September. He faced charges including homicide while fleeing a police officer, fleeing a police officer, preventing arrest, reckless endangerment, driving under suspension, and drug possession.

Senator Cramer has acknowledged his son's mental health struggles and expressed disappointment in the court's and prosecutor's handling of the mental health aspect of the case. However, he emphasized that his son's choices ultimately led to the tragic outcome.