A Wisconsin man is facing serious charges after allegedly using his vehicle to intentionally ram into a family out for a walk, killing a local chiropractor and the family dog in what prosecutors are calling an act of “vigilante justice.”
According to a criminal complaint filed Monday, 49-year-old Jeffrey Endres accelerated his vehicle and deliberately struck Dr. Kami Hansen, her husband, their son, and their dog while they were walking in Cottage Grove, a suburb of Madison, on April 28.
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Dr. Hansen, described as a respected chiropractor, wife, and mother of three, succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. Their dog, a black pit bull, was also killed in the crash.
Deputy District Attorney William Brown stated in court, “It has come to light that this was not an accident. This was an intentional act by Mr. Endres. This was, as the complaint shows, essentially an act of vigilante justice.”
Prosecutors allege the attack stemmed from a “sensitive crime” involving the children of both families. Though details have not been publicly disclosed, police records indicate the families were once neighbors and friends.
The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. on the 1300 block of Landmark Drive. Hansen was walking with her husband and son when Endres’ vehicle suddenly veered onto the sidewalk. Witnesses reported hearing the engine rev and seeing the car accelerate toward the family. A detective noted that Hansen’s body was thrown 25 to 30 feet, and the force of the impact knocked the family out of their shoes, according to WMTV.
Hansen’s husband sustained minor injuries, while their son suffered a concussion and required surgery, but is expected to recover.
The criminal complaint revealed that Endres had received a redacted police report related to the March incident between the children just hours before the crash. A school resource officer had investigated the matter, and a juvenile court hearing took place on March 28.
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After the collision, Endres reportedly remained on the scene and told officers he was “having a bad day.” When questioned about the crash, he allegedly said “no comment” and claimed he had lost control of his vehicle.
Endres is charged with first-degree intentional homicide, two counts of attempted first-degree intentional homicide, and mistreatment of animals causing death. His bond was set at $1 million, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 14. If convicted, he faces life in prison without the possibility of extended supervision.
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