Wahpeton Protestors (Madison Quinn, KFGO News)
WAHPETON, N.D. (KFGO) – Nearly one year since Washington Weanquoi died in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 13 in southeastern North Dakota, protesters gathered outside the Richland County Courthouse to demand justice.
Weanquoi’s brother, Christian Sampson, organized the group of about 40 people who carried signs and chanted “justice for Washington.” The group is demanding State’s Attorney Megan Kummer resign or be fired. They also want to see charges upgraded against the driver of the other vehicle, 20-year-old Kash Cutler of Frederick, South Dakota, who they claim was drinking the night of the crash.
“We’re hoping the prosecutor can see the protest and bring the proper charges, as was recommended by the investigators. That was teenage driver being charged with negligent homicide,” Sampson said.
The crash happened Aug. 27 at around 2:15 a.m after Weanquoi left his shift at Bobcat in Gwinner. He was traveling to Fargo where he lived with his fiance, Watta Morris, and their three children. A tearful Morris recalled that night, saying Weanquoi called to tell her he would be home in about an hour. While she was waiting for him, a deputy knocked on her door with the news.
“[He] told me Washington is not going to be coming home because he got killed,” Morris said.
Cutler has been charged with misdemeanor aggravated reckless driving – speeding. He is scheduled to appear in court Sept. 11.
Cutler and a passenger suffered serious injuries and were taken to the hospital.
According to Kummer, the passenger was intoxicated and they had alcohol in the vehicle, but the Highway Patrol saw no indications of intoxication from Cutler.
“We have a blood test from the defendant showing that he had no alcohol in his system when he received medical treatment after the accident,” Kummer said.
Wahpeton Police Chief Matthew Anderson said the protest Thursday, and one held last month, have been peaceful and organizers have been in contact with the department, letting them know their plans.
The group told police they expected around 1,000 protesters, leading to extra law enforcement, portable toilets, blocked streets, and a fence perimeter around the courthouse.
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