Family questions plea deal in fatal I-94 hit-and-run

(NewsDakota.com) – A possible plea deal in a deadly 2025 hit-and-run crash on Interstate 94 west of Valley City is raising concerns for the victim’s family.

Barnes County State’s Attorney Tonya Duffy has charged 22-year-old Garret Kuntz in connection with the crash that killed a pedestrian along I-94 last December. Kuntz faces two Class B felony counts: manslaughter and duty in accident involving death or personal injury.

Investigators with the North Dakota Highway Patrol say Kuntz was driving a pickup that struck and killed 27-year-old Jerson Mejia of Honduras. Mejia was walking along the interstate when he was hit.

An anonymous tip led investigators to Kuntz after the patrol asked the public for help locating a vehicle with front bumper and passenger-side front fender damage. Troopers also recovered a damaged bug shield in the ditch near where Mejia’s body was found.

Law enforcement had checked on Mejia the night before, after drivers reported a pedestrian walking along I-94 on Dec. 20. Officers say Mejia declined assistance at that time. Authorities believe he was struck sometime shortly after midnight on Dec. 21. His body was discovered in the ditch later that day.

Duffy says the next court hearing for Kuntz is scheduled for Aug. 27 at the Barnes County Courthouse.