A North Dakota man will spend nearly three decades behind bars for his role in the death of a Mercer County deputy. Ian Cramer was sentenced to 28 years in prison today after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including A-felony homicide, stemming from a high-speed pursuit last December.
Investigators say Cramer led authorities on a multi-county chase that ended in a fatal crash, claiming the life of Deputy Paul Martin. During sentencing, prosecutors showed graphic bodycam footage of officers desperately trying to save Martin.
The judge, citing Cramer’s deliberate actions and the 40 minutes he had to reconsider his choices, rejected claims that he lost control of the vehicle. Cramer and his mother both addressed the court, apologizing to the Martin family, while the judge included treatment in his sentence to address Cramer’s drug use.
Deputy Paul Martin’s loss has left a deep impact on the Mercer County community.
