Despite being charged in a fatal hit-and-run crash of a teen, Cynthia “Cyndy” Martin appears to have been reinstated as the chair of Minnesota’s 8th District DFL, its website shows.
Now, Martin is asking the court to either dismiss the case or move her trial out of Itasca County. Martin’s attorney filed two motions this month, one requesting dismissal of the criminal vehicular homicide charge and the other seeking a change of venue due to alleged bias in the local community.
Crash killed 19-year-old Carter Haithcock
The case stems from a July 3, 2024, crash on Highway 169 that killed 19-year-old Carter Haithcock.
According to the criminal complaint, Martin allegedly struck Haithcock with her SUV and fled the scene, waiting until the next morning to call 911.
She later told investigators she believed she had hit a turkey or an owl.
Surveillance footage captured an SUV resembling Martin’s briefly stopping near the crash site before driving off, according to the complaint.
Investigators later found damage on her vehicle consistent with the collision, along with fabric matching the teen’s clothing, the complaint says.
Police suspected Martin was impaired at the time, citing her use of prescription hydrocodone and poor performance on field sobriety tests.
“I believe the driver was impaired by her usage of opioids during the time of the crash,” a Minnesota state trooper said in a search warrant application, which notes that Martin “provided a [preliminary breath test] of 0.00.”
A blood sample tested by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension came back negative for all substances tested.
Defense seeks dismissal and new venue
In a motion to dismiss, Martin’s attorney argues that the state lacks sufficient evidence to proceed and that forcing Martin to stand trial would be unreasonable.
The defense claims the case would not survive a motion for acquittal at trial, citing previous Minnesota Supreme Court rulings. They will argue to have the case dismissed at an upcoming hearing on May 8.
In a separate filing, Martin seeks to move the trial out of Itasca County, citing pretrial publicity and community hostility.
Her attorney submitted local news articles, social media posts, and an email from a community member as evidence of potential bias, arguing that a fair trial cannot be held in the county.
In their response, the state argues that pretrial publicity has been limited and factual, not “massive” or prejudicial enough to warrant a venue change.
They point to a jury pool of over 30,000 potential jurors in Itasca County, stating that standard court procedures—such as jury questionnaires and expanded jury selection—can ensure fairness.
DFL lists Martin as chair despite charges
The DFL has appeared to maintain support for Martin despite the charges.
Shortly after the charges were filed in November, the 8th District DFL confirmed that Martin would “no longer” serve as chair. She was subsequently removed from the 8th District DFL’s website and replaced with acting chair Lee Cutler. Her name was also removed from the state Minnesota DFL Party’s website.
Cynthia "Cyndy" Martin has been removed as Chair of the DFL 8th Congressional District after being charged with vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a crash. The body of a 19-year-old man was found in the middle of the road in Itasca County this past July. #MNPolitics #DFL pic.twitter.com/DD5CTjV5ck
— Jenna Gloeb (@Jenna_Gloeb) November 25, 2024
However, she is now listed again as chair on both the 8th District DFL’s website and the Minnesota DFL’s website.
A prominent DFL activist, Martin has been pictured in multiple social media posts alongside Minnesota Democrats, including Gov. Tim Walz and Sen. Amy Klobuchar.
Shortly after Haithcock’s death, Alpha News contacted the Itasca County DFL, where Martin was vice chair, about reports of a hit-and-run involving Martin. At the time, the Itasca County DFL denied her involvement.
In a follow-up inquiry, the Itasca County DFL responded via email: “Accidents happen; the accident is under investigation; the accident has nothing to do with Itasca County DFL. End of ‘story.’”
Stauber campaign calls for Martin’s resignation
Alpha News reached out to Congressman Pete Stauber’s campaign for comment, as he represents Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District, where Martin currently serves as the DFL chair.
“The 8th District Democrats should do the right thing and call for her to resign,” said John Eloranta, Stauber for Congress campaign manager. “She is being charged with hit-and-run murder and that they still want her to lead their party tells you everything you need to know about their commitment to public safety and justice.”
Alpha News reached out to the Minnesota DFL for comment but did not receive a response.
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.
