Becker Man Who Left Girlfriend to Die After a Fatal Crash Gets Suspended Sentence

(KNSI) — A 35-year-old Becker man has been handed a suspended sentence for leaving the scene of a crash where his girlfriend died.

According to a press release from the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office, in May, Johnathan James Schafer was charged with a felony count of failing to stop and remain at the scene of an incident resulting in death and driving while intoxicated. Twenty-three-year-old Julia Marie Marthaler of Nisswa was riding in a truck driven by Schafer when she jumped out along a road in Santiago Township. Investigators said 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.

He pleaded guilty in September.

Judge Walter Kaminsky sentenced Schafer to two years in prison, stayed for three years. That means if Schafer does not violate the terms of his conditions, he will not spend any time behind bars.

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