A 17-year-old from Grand Forks has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after firing multiple shots at a vehicle occupied by five teenagers. The incident, which occurred on January 3, 2025, resulted in serious charges of attempted murder against Mason Wyatt Allery, who took responsibility during his sentencing hearing on January 12, 2025.
Allery expressed remorse for his actions, stating, “I have spent a lot of time thinking about what happened, and every night, I pray to God that the victims and their families can someday forgive me.” He acknowledged the gravity of the situation, noting that he is thankful no one was killed. His plea for forgiveness highlights the weight of his actions and the impact they had on the victims and their families.
The shooting took place shortly before 11 p.m. in the 1000 block of North 42nd Street. According to an affidavit of probable cause, Allery and co-defendant Walker Michael Poitra fired into the vehicle, injuring two of the occupants during a second shooting incident. Prosecutor Sarah Gereszek revealed that numerous shell casings were recovered from the scene, with at least five bullets linked to the handgun Allery possessed that night.
Details of the Incident and Court Proceedings
Judge Theodore Sandberg, who presided over the case, remarked that he had never seen a vehicle so heavily damaged by gunfire in his nearly 30 years as a judge. He expressed disbelief that no fatalities occurred, stating, “Frankly, based on all of the facts that I know in this case, there should be at least three people dead and two people seriously wounded.” The judge cited evidence, including a bullet indent on a water bottle found inside the vehicle, which underscored the potential for a much more tragic outcome.
In a statement read during the hearing, one victim recounted the traumatic experience, describing how Allery and Poitra approached their vehicle wearing ski masks and began shooting. The victim emphasized that they had no prior involvement in any conflict that might have provoked the attack. Their testimony painted a stark picture of the chaos and fear that ensued, with one victim recalling the frantic moments as she applied pressure to a friend’s gunshot wound.
As part of the plea agreement, Allery pleaded guilty to five counts of Class A felony attempted murder, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years. The agreement included a recommendation for 10 years of actual prison time, while the defense sought a lesser sentence. Judge Sandberg ultimately accepted the plea, noting that Allery had already received a form of leniency due to the absence of severe injuries among the victims.
Consequences and Future Outlook
The judge pointed out Allery’s troubled upbringing, suggesting that it provided insight into the consequences of violent actions. He stressed the need for significant rehabilitation and support to prevent future incidents, stating, “Without some significant consequences, education, training, rehabilitation, counseling and mental health assistance, not only is this circumstance likely to recur, it’s almost certain to recur.”
Allery has been sentenced to a total of 20 years, with 10 years suspended, meaning he will serve 10 years in custody. Upon release, he will be subject to five years of supervised probation. He is also required to earn his high school diploma while incarcerated, emphasizing the court’s focus on rehabilitation.
In addition to the attempted murder charges, Allery pleaded guilty to several other offenses, including Class C felony terrorizing and reckless endangerment, while four counts of Class C felony reckless endangerment were dismissed. Poitra, his co-defendant, faces the same charges and has a sentencing hearing scheduled for April 4, 2025.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences of gun violence and the ongoing need for effective measures to address such behavior among youth.
