For DFL Official in Deadly Hit-and-Run Case, the Sentence Comes Due Every July 3rd

(KNSI) — The DFL Party Chair for Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District has been sentenced in a hit-and-run crash that killed a 19-year-old man.

Cynthia Martin pleaded guilty in May to a felony count of criminal vehicular homicide for causing the crash and leaving the scene. She was sentenced to 364 days in jail, five years of probation and 100 hours of community service. As part of her probation, Martin must return to jail each July 3rd, the anniversary of the crash, and remain there until July 5th.

Charges say Martin was on Highway 169 near Nashwauk on July 3rd when she ran over 19-year-old Carter Haithcock, stopped briefly and then drove away. She called 911 the next day to say she may have been involved in a crash, hitting what she believed was an owl or a turkey. Court papers say someone who was on the phone with Martin heard her say, “I hit something,” and they told her to call 911. She said she would when she got home. She is accused of waiting until the next day to do so.

Investigators say they found blood on the side mirror of her SUV and on a portion of the passenger side windshield wiper. A piece of fabric was lodged in the hood and was consistent with the hooded sweatshirt Haithcock was wearing.

Someone had earlier called 911 to report a person in dark clothing walking along the highway who was difficult to see. Investigators believe that may have been Haithcock.

Martin was charged in Itasca County with criminal vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a crash.

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