On September 18, 2022, after an investigation by the North Dakota Highway Patrol, with the assistance of the Foster County Sheriff’s Department and the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Shannon Brandt, 41 years of age, Glenfield, was arrested by the NDHP and charged with Criminal Vehicular Homicide involving a Motor Vehicle, a Class A Felony, and Duty in Accident Involving Death, a B Felony.
Brandt was arrested after the agencies investigated an incident involving Brandt striking and killing Cayler Ellingson with a vehicle in McHenry during the early morning hours on September 18, 2022.
Over the next several days, the North Dakota Highway Patrol and the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation conducted interviews with individuals in regard to this incident. Additionally, an autopsy of Cayler Ellingson was conducted at the University of North Dakota Forensic Pathology Center. Based on the additional information provided by these agencies, the Foster County State’s Attorney has filed a Criminal Information charging Shannon Joseph Brandt with Murder, a class AA Felony. The maximum penalty for a AA Felony is life imprisonment without parole. The initial charge of Criminal Vehicular Homicide has been dismissed.
This is still an ongoing investigation, and if any persons have additional information regarding the Defendant, Shannon Brandt, and/or the death of Cayler Ellingson that occurred on September 18, 2022, in the City of McHenry, Foster County, ND, please contact the Foster County Sheriff’s Department at 701-652-2251.
Foster County State’s Attorney, Kara Brinster, and the Foster County Sheriffs Department are grateful for the assistance in this investigation by North Dakota Highway Patrol, North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Carrington Police Dept. and others.
Kara E. Brinster, Foster County State’s Attorney
