Two Bismarck men arrested in fatal October 2 crash that killed two Mandan teenagers

What the primary sources show

• Cameron Schestler and Sidney Seidel, both 19 and from Bismarck, were arrested October 16 in connection with the October 2 fatal crash on West Main Avenue at Center Street. [People of Bismarck Reporting News (public group)] [Bismarck Police Department]
• Schestler, driving a 2011 Infiniti, and Seidel, driving a 2015 Chevrolet Impala, were traveling at high speeds on West Main Avenue and passing vehicles in an area not designated for traffic. [Bismarck Police Department]
• Schestler is charged with two counts of manslaughter, reckless endangerment with extreme indifference, and aggravated reckless driving; Seidel is charged with reckless endangerment with extreme indifference, child neglect, and reckless driving. [People of Bismarck Reporting News (public group)] [Bismarck Police Department]
• Seidel had two passengers in his vehicle at the time of the crash, including an infant. [People of Bismarck Reporting News (public group)] [Bismarck Police Department]
• Investigators determined that none of the occupants in either vehicle were wearing seatbelts and that Schestler's vehicle speed significantly reduced the time available for the Equinox driver to react. [KFYR-TV] [Bismarck Police Department]

What they left out / still unanswered

• What bail or bond conditions, if any, were set for the defendants at their initial court appearance?
• What is the current physical and emotional status of the 15-year-old Equinox driver?
• When is the trial scheduled to begin for these cases?

Official line vs. how each source framed it

• People of Bismarck Reporting News (public group): Facebook group post listing all charges, sentencing guidelines for each charge class, and detailed investigation findings about the drivers' conduct. Read it →
• KX News: Brief news announcement of arrest of two Bismarck men. Read it → · Ads
• KFYR-TV: Investigation details including seatbelt status, vehicle speeds, reaction time analysis, and confirmation that the Equinox occupants had no prior connection to the drivers. Read it → · Ads
• Bismarck Police Department: Official Bismarck Police Department charge announcement. Read it →
• Bismarck Police Department: Complete official police investigation report with all charges, vehicle details, vehicle specifications, and findings about the driving pattern and collision mechanics. Read it →
• Bismarck Tribune: Brief news update headline announcing arrests. Read it → · Paywall
• Bismarck Source: Community impact coverage emphasizing the victims' school involvement and shared memorial service at Mandan High School. Read it →

On the ground: what neighbors are saying

Several commenters expressed relief that both drivers were charged and emphasized the importance of seatbelt use and responsible driving. Some called for stricter penalties such as vehicle confiscation and parental fines, while others offered prayers for the victims' families and the surviving driver.

From 20 public Facebook comments. Community talk, not verified.

701 News writes these summaries from the sources above and checks every sentence against them. Read the originals for the full reporting. Corrections

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