Becker, Minnesota – A 35-year-old man in Minnesota will serve less than a year in local jail after his girlfriend tragically died when she jumped from a moving truck while he was driving.
Johnathan James Schafer was sentenced by Tenth Judicial District Judge Walter M. Kaminsky to 364 days in jail, with 175 days already served, followed by three years of probation.
Schafer had pleaded guilty in September 2025 to one count of felony failure to stop after a traffic crash resulting in injury or death and one count of misdemeanor driving while intoxicated.
Court Imposes Suspended Sentence for Probation Violations
In addition to the jail time and probation, Schafer received a two-year suspended sentence, meaning if he violates probation, he could serve state prison time. Probation conditions include abstaining from alcohol and drugs, completing substance abuse and mental health treatment, and taking a driver improvement course, among other requirements.
Incident Details
According to a probable cause affidavit, the incident occurred on May 15, 2025. Schafer’s mother called 911, reporting that he had told her his girlfriend had jumped from his truck.
Minutes later, a friend of Schafer also called 911, reporting that he said his girlfriend was unresponsive near a cemetery while he remained in Becker City Park. Both callers said Schafer sounded intoxicated during the calls.
Police found Schafer in his parked truck, emitting a strong odor of alcohol, with blood on the door, handle, and his hands, and a shotgun cased in the backseat. Multiple agencies joined in the search for 23-year-old Julia Marie Marthaler, who was found lying in the grass several feet from the road and pronounced dead shortly afterward.
Schafer’s Conduct Raises Court Concerns
Investigators noted that Schafer spent over 42 minutes on phone calls with his mother and friend rather than contacting emergency services for medical assistance. In a post-Miranda interview, Schafer admitted that he and Marthaler had consumed alcohol at a bar before driving around backroads.
During an argument, Marthaler allegedly jumped from the truck, and Schafer moved her body into taller grass, making her more difficult for responders to locate.
Judge Kaminsky cited this behavior as “unusually cruel treatment” in determining the sentencing, which is above typical state guidelines for similar offenses.
Legal and Community Implications
The case highlights the serious consequences of driving under the influence and failing to render aid after a crash. Authorities stress that immediate emergency response could save lives, and reckless behavior behind the wheel can have tragic outcomes.
Minnesota residents are reminded to practice responsible alcohol consumption, safe driving, and to seek help immediately in emergencies to prevent further tragedies.
Do you believe the sentence in this case was appropriate given the circumstances? How should the justice system handle cases involving alcohol, crashes, and failure to render aid? Comment below and share your opinions with our readers!
