Man Faces Charges After Fatal Crash Where His Girlfriend Allegedly Jumped from a Moving Vehicle

(KNSI) — A 35-year-old Becker man made his initial court appearance Monday for allegedly leaving the scene of a crash where his girlfriend died Thursday night.

According to a press release from the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office, Johnathan James Schafer has been charged with a felony count of failing to stop and remain at the scene of an incident resulting in death and driving while intoxicated. Authorities say 23-year-old Julia Marie Marthaler of Nisswa was riding in a truck driven by Shafer when she jumped out along a road in Santiago Township. Emergency dispatchers received a call around 9:20 from a woman reporting that Schafer had contacted her, claiming Marthaler had jumped from his moving pickup truck.

Investigators allege Schafer never called 911 to report the crash and later told authorities he did stop to check on Marthaler, found her unresponsive, but fled the scene when he saw another vehicle approaching.

Police found Schafer at a park in Becker and say he smelled strongly of alcohol. He was taken into custody without further incident.

The investigation is ongoing, and additional criminal charges may be filed.

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