Man Intentionally Drove into Family, Killing Mom and Dog, in ‘Act of Revenge' — and Then Died in Jail Days Later
The motive was reportedly tied to allegations of a "sensitive crime" committed by a Hansen family member against a child in Endres' family
Endres was found dead in his jail cell days after being charged with multiple felonies
A man in Wisconsin charged with intentionally driving into a family during a walk — killing the mother and the family dog — has been found dead in his jail cell.
Authorities confirmed that an individual was found unresponsive in their cell just before 6 a.m. Tuesday and later pronounced dead, prompting an ongoing investigation led by Madison Police. The Dane County Medical Examiner later identified the deceased as Jeffrey Endres, 49, according to WMTV and WMSN.
Endres had been charged just a day earlier with multiple felonies, including first-degree intentional homicide, for allegedly driving his Chevrolet Traverse into a neighboring family walking their dog on April 28.
The crash killed 41-year-old chiropractor Dr. Kami Hansen and the family's pit bull terrier. Her husband, Paul Hansen, and their 13-year-old son were also struck and injured. The son was hospitalized with a concussion and required surgery, while Paul sustained minor injuries.
According to a criminal complaint cited by WTMJ, Endres was motivated by what prosecutors described as a 'sensitive crime' allegedly committed by a Hansen family member against a child in Endres' family.
Just hours before the fatal crash, Endres had received public records tied to that investigation. He and the Hansens had previously been close friends and neighbors, according to the complaint.
Witnesses told police the SUV appeared to accelerate directly at the family. Paul Hansen recalled hearing the engine rev before the vehicle jumped the curb and hit them. One neighbor estimated Endres was driving at least 60 mph in a 25 mph zone.
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Despite these accounts, Endres told medical staff after the crash that he was driving 25 mph to a gas station and had simply lost control. He was treated for crash-related injuries at the hospital, where he also reportedly disclosed recent suicidal thoughts.
Police said Endres had been aware of the criminal allegations involving the children just hours before the crash.
Deputy District Attorney William Brown said the crash was an 'act of revenge.'
Endres was charged with first-degree intentional homicide, two counts of attempted homicide, and felony animal mistreatment.
A judge set his bail at $1 million on Monday. If convicted, he faced life in prison. His attorney, Emily Bell, did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.
A cause of death has not yet been released.
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