VALLEY CITY, N.D. — A 22-year-old man received a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to manslaughter in a fatal hit-and-run incident on Interstate 94.
Garret Kuntz, of Mandan, struck and killed 27-year-old Jerson Mejia while distracted by his phone, according to authorities. The incident occurred around midnight on December 21, 2025, about 10 miles west of Valley City as Mejia walked along the interstate.
Kuntz was sentenced to 10 years, suspended, with credit for one day served. He will remain on probation for three years and complete 1,000 hours of community service. During sentencing, Kuntz expressed remorse, saying, “My heart goes out to the family.”
Barnes County State's Attorney Tonya Duffy indicated that a jury might have deemed Kuntz guilty of only negligent homicide, which would typically warrant probation since he has a minor criminal record. Judge James Hovey criticized the leniency of the plea deal but acknowledged limitations within state law.
Witnesses reported seeing Mejia walking along I-94, with nine individuals calling 911 that night. Some reported having to swerve to avoid him. A state trooper had offered Mejia a ride, but he declined.
Investigators revealed that Kuntz was using Snapchat at the time of the crash and left the scene, later turning himself in through a friend. There was no evidence of alcohol or drug use.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding distracted driving and its repercussions.