Cynthia “Cyndy” Martin, the former chair of the 8th District DFL, made her initial court appearance via Zoom last week following charges related to a fatal hit-and-run incident this summer.
Martin is accused of striking and killing 19-year-old Carter Haithcock with her SUV on July 3 in Itasca County.
Despite the severity of the charges, which include criminal vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a collision, court records indicate that Martin was conditionally released on her own recognizance with no bail required.
She was given two weeks to report to jail for booking and to have her photo taken. Martin was initially charged by summons, as opposed to an arrest warrant, so there is no booking photo available yet at this time.
Martin’s next hearing in the case is set for Feb. 26, again via Zoom.
Charges filed day after Alpha News inquiry
The charges against Martin were filed nearly five months after the incident, raising questions about delays in the justice process.
The charges were filed one day after Alpha News reached out to the county attorney’s office for an update.
Martin, a prominent figure in the local Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party who has been pictured with Gov. Tim Walz and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, has since been replaced as the chair of the 8th District DFL.
Attorney explains delays in vehicular homicide cases, release conditions
Twin Cities-based defense attorney Eric Nelson—who is not Martin’s attorney—emphasized that delays in filing charges are not uncommon in cases involving vehicular homicide.
“It is very common that vehicular homicide cases are delayed in their initial charging. Most commonly, this is due to the time it takes for law enforcement to complete the investigation and reconstruction of a fatal accident. There are frequently delays in the process, such as waiting for blood test results, warrant returns, data analysis, etc.,” Nelson said. “In order to establish the strongest case against the accused, it is a necessary step in the process.”
Nelson acknowledged the frustration such delays can cause for victims’ families but noted that he has seen similar cases take up to a year for charges to be filed.
Martin’s release conditions align with Minnesota Rule of Criminal Procedure 6.02, which requires courts to release defendants on personal recognizance unless there is evidence their release poses a danger to public safety or they are unlikely to appear in court, Nelson said.
“Given that she likely has no prior criminal history, no history of failure to appear, and strong ties to the community, I believe the court’s bail decision considered the proper analysis,” Nelson explained.
The defense attorney further noted that the decision aligns with practices in similar cases. Nelson said it is also likely that the county attorney has submitted paperwork to administratively suspend Martin’s driving privileges, pending further proceedings.
Background on the incident
According to the criminal complaint, Haithcock was walking along Highway 169 on the night of July 3 when he was struck by Martin’s 2005 GMC Yukon. Martin left the scene, and Haithcock was later struck by another vehicle before being pronounced dead at the scene.
Martin told authorities the next morning that she believed she had hit an owl or turkey. However, surveillance footage from a nearby gas station revealed a dark SUV, believed to be Martin’s, stopping near the crash site before driving away.
Investigators found evidence on Martin’s vehicle linking it to the scene, including damage consistent with the collision and fabric matching the victim’s clothing.
Alpha News will continue to follow this case as it develops.
Update: Martin’s booking photo was released Monday.
JUST IN: new booking photo of Cynthia "Cyndy" Martin, ex-chair of the 8th District DFL, charged in a fatal hit-and-run of a 19-year-old. pic.twitter.com/n1ZyjCSmSP
— Jenna Gloeb (@Jenna_Gloeb) December 30, 2024
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
