Charge against North Dakota Sen. Kevin Cramer's son in crash that killed deputy upgraded to homicide

Bismarck, N.D. — New charges approved Thursday against the 42-year-old son of U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer included an upgraded homicide count in a crash that killed a North Dakota sheriff's deputy.

Ian Cramer initially faced a manslaughter charge related to the Dec. 6 death of Mercer County Sheriff's Deputy Paul Martin on a highway near Hazen. A judge on Thursday approved new charges that amend that offense to homicide while fleeing a peace officer, and add drug charges.

The homicide charge says the death was caused negligently rather than recklessly, and brings higher maximum penalties than manslaughter - up to 20 years in prison and a possible $20,000 fine.