Tag Archives: hennepin county

BIPOC, National

Nicholas Kraus charged with intentional second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree assault

[MINNEAPOLIS] – (MTN) Nicholas Kraus, 35-years old, has been formally charged with intentional second-degree murder in the car attack that left Deona Marie Erickson dead, and two counts of second-degree assault for the injuries to two others, including an independent journalist who had their leg broken in the attack. Kraus admitted to officials that he drove toward the protesters on purpose and sped up to jump the barricades.

According to the police report, Erickson died from massive head trauma in the attack. The report also indicates that Kraus was drunk at the time, but the results of his toxicology report have not been made public.

Hennepin County officials wrote in a press release Kraus’ “behavior and admittance to intentionally driving towards the protestors is one important reason why we have charged him with intentional second-degree murder.”

“When Kraus spoke to police after the fatal incident the following day, he admitted to driving his SUV in the Uptown area,” the report continues. “Upon seeing the barricade, felt the need to ‘get over it.’ He also told police that he did not brake and accelerated in an attempt to jump the barricade despite seeing people.”

Kraus is facing up to 54 years in prison and has five prior DWI convictions in his past, including 2 felony convictions. Bail has been set at $1,000,000 with the condition of no drugs or alcohol while on release. Kraus’ next hearing is on June 17.

BIPOC, National

Police warrant for Nicholas Kraus’ blood draw provides some insight into his state of mind

[MINNEAPOLIS] – (MTN) Police statements within a warrant submitted to secure a toxicology report for Nicholas Kraus in the moments after he crashed through a vigil for Winston Smith in Minneapolis, Minnesota, provides insight into his state of mind, but doesn’t answer questions about his motivations.

According to the warrant, Kraus admitted to driving through the group holding a vigil. He refused to provide his name, stating he was Tim Burton, the movie producer, and Jesus Christ. Police noted that Kraus’ pupils were “pinpoints” and non-reactive. Officers were unable to provide a field sobriety test on the scene due to injuries Kraus sustained in the accident.

In the same warrant, it is reported a traffic camera caught the incident and that the brake lights never turned on as Kraus tore through the group. The video has not been released to the public.

Kraus is a convicted felon with a criminal record spanning 17 years and 18 criminal cases. He has five convictions for DUI, including twice in 2007, once in 2009, 2012, and 2016. He had a 2013 DUI dismissed in a plea deal. He was also convicted of fifth-degree assault in 2004, falsely reporting a crime in 2006, and obstruction of justice in 2015. In the 2015 case, he was accused of attempting to smother his girlfriend and trying to throw her over the top railing of a balcony. Those charges were later dropped in a plea deal. The woman involved is the mother of his two children.

Kraus was arrested and convicted in 2020 for giving a false name to the police. In that case, he was sentenced to 45 days in jail and got time served for 43 of those days. That arrest and conviction caused a violation of his 2016 parole conditions and triggered a warrant for his arrest.

Deona Marie Erickson was killed in the incident that left 3 others injured. Video of the incident show Erickson flying through the air. Volunteer medics who were there to support the ongoing vigil for Winston Smith provided lifesaving care and were able to get a pulse back, however Erickson was declared dead shortly after arriving at an area hospital.

Kraus remains in custody without bail while prosecutors mull additional charges. A number of states have passed Republican-led initiatives providing drivers with legal justification to drive through protesters. Minnesota does not have any such law passed.