A man in Wisconsin charged with intentionally driving into a family on a walk, killing the mother and the family dog, was discovered dead in his jail cell.
Authorities confirmed that an individual was discovered unresponsive in their cell shortly before 6 a.m. Tuesday and later pronounced dead, sparking an ongoing investigation led by Madison Police. According to WMTV and WMSN, the deceased was identified later by the Dane County Medical Examiner as Jeffrey Endres, 49.
Endres had only been charged the day before with multiple felonies, including first-degree intentional homicide, for allegedly plowing into a neighboring family walking their dog on April 28.
Dr. Kami Hansen, 41, a chiropractor, was killed in the crash, as was the family’s pit bull terrier. Her husband, Paul Hansen, and their 13-year-old son were both struck and injured. The son was hospitalized for a concussion and required surgery, while Paul suffered minor injuries.
According to a criminal complaint obtained by WTMJ, Endres was motivated by what prosecutors described as a “sensitive crime” committed by a Hansen family member against a child in Endres’ care.
Endres received public records related to the investigation just hours before the fatal crash. He and the Hansens were previously close friends and neighbors, according to the complaint.
Witnesses told police that the SUV appeared to accelerate directly toward the family. Paul Hansen said he heard the engine rev before the vehicle jumped the curb and hit them. According to one neighbor, Endres was driving at least 60 mph in a 25 mph zone.
Despite these claims, Endres told medical personnel following the accident 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 reportedly revealed recent suicidal ideation.
According to police, Endres was aware of the criminal allegations against the children just hours before the crash.
Deputy District Attorney William Brown described the crash as a “act of revenge.”
Endres was charged with first-degree intentional homicide, two counts of attempted homicide, and felony animal cruelty.
A judge set his bail at $1 million on Monday. If convicted, he would face life in prison. His attorney, Emily Bell, did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
The cause of death has not yet been released.