Browsing Tag: County

[Narration]A nine-year-old case that began
as a 2002 boat crash on Lake Buchanan and claimed the life of a Lampasas teenager and
injured two others is closed. Travis Aaron Marburger recently pled guilty to a third-degree
felony charge of failure to stop and render aid involving a fatal accident. The case culminated
in an emotional exchange between Marburger and the victim’s family, as Texas Parks
and Wildlife shows in this report. (Judge) “How do you plead? Guilty or Not
Guilty? (Marburger) “Guilty.” [Narration] After nine years, victims and
family members from a 2002 hit and run boating fatality had their day in court. (Kelly Corbin’s mom) “You could have done
the right thing by stopping and helping the kids that night and this would have been a
tragic accident. Now it is a tragic crime and we mourn still.” [Narration] In 2002, three teenager friends
were fishing on Lake Buchanan one evening when another boat sped out of the dark and
ran into them, killing Justin Roberts. For years afterward, Texas Parks and Wildlife
Game Wardens have relentlessly searched for clues, posted awards and even staged a re-enactment.
Then in December 2010, finally, a break. A tip leading to the unearthing of the boat
that Travis Marburger drove that fatal evening. (Marburger)“I didn’t know what else to
do at that time except hide the evidence (sniffles). I disassembled the boat, rented a machine
to dig a hole and buried it. I know some day that I would have to face the consequences.” [Narration] Marburger was handed a 10-year
probated sentence 100 days in jail on condition of probation. He will serve the first 50 days
of that sentence on May 3rd 2012 which is the 10th anniversary of the accident. And
then, 10 days each year on May 3rd for five years after that. (Justin Robert’s mom) “I was 39 years
old when you destroyed my life and broke my heart into a million pieces. Every holiday,
family gathering and momentous occasion has emptiness for our entire family without Justin.”
(Jim Daniels)“Hearing Justin’s mother and Kelly’s mother read their words was
powerful. I think it’s most important that we have a conviction and Mr. Marburger will
be a convicted felon for the rest of his life.” [Narration]On that May 2002 evening, 17-year-old
victim, Jim Daniels, floated for nine hours in his life jacket before being rescued. Today,
he is a Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden. “I guess everyone involved in that accident
will always be a victim but…it definitely help drive home the passion for what we do
when we’re out checking for life jackets or being sure people’s lights are working
on their boat…definitely puts a lot more passion into being a game warden and doing
my job.” “Good luck! Nice seeing ya’ll.” [Narration] For Texas Parks and Wildlife,
this is Lydia Saldaña.