Jeffrey Endres, 49, from Wisconsin, faces accusations of deliberately driving into a family and killing Dr. Kami Hansen and her dog. Prosecutors say the incident was an act of revenge related to a “sensitive crime” allegedly involving Hansen’s child and Endres’ own child.
A Fatal Act of Alleged Vigilante Justice
Authorities say Endres intentionally accelerated his vehicle toward Dr. Hansen, a respected chiropractor, and her family during an evening walk. The fatal crash occurred on April 28 at around 6:30 p.m. in Cottage Grove, a suburb of Madison, Wisconsin.
According to WMTV, Hansen, her husband, one of their sons, and the family’s black pit bull were out walking when Endres drove into them. Witnesses and police reports confirm that the car accelerated toward the group.
Hansen was reportedly thrown 25 to 30 feet from the impact. Both she and the dog died from their injuries. Her husband suffered minor cuts, while their son needed surgery and was diagnosed with a concussion.
Witnesses and Victim Accounts
Hansen’s husband told police he heard the sound of a car “flooring it” just before the vehicle jumped the curb and hit them. Multiple eyewitnesses supported that account, saying they saw the vehicle lurch forward directly at the family.
Endres stayed at the scene. He allegedly told officers he was “having a bad day” and initially gave no explanation. He claimed he lost control of the vehicle on the way to a gas station.
However, an Uber driver who had been near the scene challenged that story. “If he’s telling you he veered off the roadway, then he’s lying to you,” the driver told police. “I saw that vehicle jerk.”
Alleged Motive and Investigation
Deputy District Attorney William Brown told the court that the crash was no accident. “This was an intentional act by Mr. Endres,” he said. “As the complaint shows, this was essentially an act of vigilante justice.”
Investigators believe the motive stems from a “sensitive crime” reportedly involving both families’ children. Police did not disclose specific details. Hansen’s husband confirmed the allegations had surfaced in late March.
Records show Endres had submitted a request on April 23 for police documents related to the incident. He received a redacted version of the report just three hours before the fatal crash on April 28.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Endres faces multiple charges:
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First-degree intentional homicide
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Two counts of attempted first-degree intentional homicide
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Mistreatment of animals causing death
His bond was set at $1 million in Dane County court. If released, Endres will be barred from contacting the Hansen family, entering Cottage Grove, or consuming alcohol.
Police photographed Endres shortly after the crash, capturing a mugshot that showed bruises and bloodshot eyes.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 14. If convicted, Endres could be sentenced to life in prison without parole.
