JAMESTOWN, N.D. (KFGO) – Shannon Brandt, the man charged with murder in the death of 18-year-old Cayler Ellingson after a street dance in McHenry, North Dakota last month, made his initial appearance in court Thursday. Brandt appeared via Zoom from the Stutsman County jail. Southeast District Judge Bradley Cruff of Wahpeton presided.
Brandt’s attorney Mark Friese waived the reading of the charges and penalties in the case and Judge Cruff noted that Brandt had not been able to post the $1 million bond. Kara Brinster is the Foster County States Attorney prosecuting the case.
Brandt was initially charged with vehicular homicide but the charge was upgraded after further investigation by the state patrol. The case drew national attention when initial reports claimed Brandt’s comments to officers during his arrest indicated Ellingson’s death was politically motivated but the state patrol has denied those claims.