In the late hours of October 4, 2022, a report of gunshots in a parking lot in the 200 block of E Arbor Ave in Bismarck, North Dakota, led to a grim discovery. Officers arrived at the scene to find 39-year-old Christopher Sebastian, a White male, deceased in his vehicle from an apparent gunshot wound. The incident, which occurred just two blocks west of Kirkwood Mall, quickly launched a homicide investigation.
The day after Sebastian's death, authorities in the neighboring city of Mandan
located a person of interest. Benjamin Williams, then 27, was found allegedly under the influence of drugs, which was a violation of his parole. Following further investigation and interviews, Williams was officially charged with the murder of Christopher Sebastian. Evidence presented by prosecutors during the trial, which began in April 2024, included surveillance video, cellphone data, and DNA testing, all intended to prove that Williams fatally shot Sebastian inside his vehicle at the apartment complex. If convicted, Williams faces a potential sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Christopher "Chris" Sebastian, of Mandan, was born on September 18, 1983. He was a graduate of Towner High School and worked in masonry in Bismarck. He was remembered as a devoted fan of the Minnesota Vikings who enjoyed farming, fishing, camping, and spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by his two children, his father, a brother, and a sister. His mother and a brother preceded him in death. Memorial services were held on October 18, 2022, with his burial taking place the following day at St. Cecilia's Catholic Cemetery in his hometown of Towner.
