BECKER, MN – A man has been sentenced to less than a year in jail after failing to offer help to his girlfriend, who died after jumping from his moving vehicle. Johnathan James Schafer, 35, learned his fate Thursday in connection with the death of 23-year-old Julia Marie Marthaler earlier this year.
Court documents reveal that Schafer will serve 364 days in county jail, with 175 days already credited as time served. After completing his jail term, he must spend three years on probation. The judge also imposed a two-year suspended prison sentence that could be enforced if Schafer violates probation, which comes with strict conditions including sobriety requirements, substance abuse counseling, mental health treatment, and a driver improvement course.
The events unfolded on May 15, when Schafer’s mother dialed 911, telling dispatchers her son had just informed her that Marthaler had leaped from his truck. Minutes later, a friend of Schafer also contacted emergency services, relaying similar information and indicating that Schafer said he was no longer with Marthaler. Both callers told authorities that Schafer was apparently intoxicated during the calls.
Police responding to Becker City Park found Schafer behind the wheel of his parked truck. Officers reported smelling alcohol and found blood on the truck’s door, handle, and apparent injuries to Schafer’s hand. A cased shotgun was visible in the back seat. Authorities said Schafer agreed to aid in the search for Marthaler.
Multiple agencies participated in a wide-ranging search and discovered Marthaler’s body several feet off the road in an area of tall grass. She had suffered significant injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators noted that instead of immediately seeking help, Schafer spent over 40 minutes on the phone with his mother and friend in the aftermath of the incident. During a subsequent interview, Schafer acknowledged that he and Marthaler had been drinking together at a bar beforehand. He told police Marthaler did not want to return home, and the pair drove on local backroads. According to Schafer, an argument led to Marthaler jumping from the moving vehicle. He stated he stopped to check on her, found her unresponsive, and then left the area in a panic when he saw other vehicles approaching.
Court records indicate the sentence surpasses typical state sentencing guidelines. The judge cited Schafer’s actions after Marthaler exited the vehicle, specifically his decision to move her away from the roadside into taller grass, which could have delayed her discovery by emergency responders.
Schafer pleaded guilty in September to one count of felony failure to stop after a traffic incident resulting in death or injury and a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence.
Under the terms of his probation, Schafer must comply with all the court’s conditions or face additional prison time. The consequences reflect the court’s assessment of his failure to render aid and his conduct immediately following the fatal incident.
Authorities said the case underscores the importance of immediate action in critical situations, as intervention and the rapid summoning of help may influence outcomes following severe traffic incidents.