A man in Wisconsin has been accused of deliberately driving into a family, killing a mother and their dog, and seriously injuring her son, in what police are calling an act of “vigilante justice.”
The incident happened in Cottage Grove, a suburb of Madison, on the evening of April 28, and has shocked the local community.
What Happened?
Jeffrey Endres, 49, is accused of driving his vehicle straight into the family of Dr. Kami Hansen, a well-known local chiropractor. She was out for a walk with her husband, one of their sons, and their black pit bull when the crash occurred around 6:30 p.m..
According to witnesses and police reports:
- The car jumped the curb and drove directly toward the family.
- Dr. Hansen was thrown about 25–30 feet from where she was hit.
- She and the family dog were killed on the spot.
- The son required surgery and had a concussion.
- The husband had minor injuries.
Multiple witnesses told police they saw the vehicle speeding up toward the family, clearly indicating that it was not an accident.
What Did the Driver Say?
After the crash, Endres stayed at the scene but did not give clear answers. He said he was “having a bad day” and initially claimed he lost control of the vehicle while heading to a gas station.
However, an Uber driver, who saw the crash happen, told police that Endres was lying and that the car suddenly jerked toward the family, suggesting it was an intentional act.
Why Did This Happen?
According to Deputy District Attorney William Brown, the crash was planned and intentional. Investigators believe it was revenge for a “sensitive crime” involving a child from each of the two families.
Details of the alleged crime have not been made public, but officials said Endres and Hansen were neighbors until recently.
Records show that Endres had requested police files about the incident on April 23 and received a redacted report just three hours before the crash.
Brown told the court:
“It has come to light that this was not an accident. This was an intentional act by Mr. Endres… essentially an act of vigilante justice.”
Charges and Legal Action
Endres has been charged with:
- First-degree intentional homicide
- Two counts of attempted first-degree intentional homicide
- Mistreatment of animals causing death
His bond has been set at $1 million. If he is released, he must:
- Avoid all contact with the Hansen family
- Stay out of Cottage Grove
- Not consume alcohol
Police noted that when Endres was arrested, he had bruises on his face and bloodshot eyes.
A preliminary court hearing is scheduled for May 14. If convicted of first-degree intentional homicide, Endres could face life in prison with no chance of parole.