Marine struck, killed
August 20,2006
ROSELEE PAPANDREA
DAILY NEWS STAFF

A Camp Lejeune Marine gunnery sergeant was killed while crossing U.S. 17 near Gum Branch Road early Saturday by a woman accused of driving while impaired.

The name of the Marine, who was 31 years old, won’t be released until next of kin are notified, said Jacksonville police Sgt. Sean Magill.

Stephanie Michelle Williams, 21, of Fredericksburg, Md. who was driving a 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer, was charged with driving while impaired and involuntary manslaughter. She was placed in Onslow County Jail under $6,000 bond, Magill said.

Williams allegedly blew a .16 on the Intoxilyzer, according to warrants. Under North Carolina law, a person is considered legally drunk if their blood alcohol level is .08 or higher.

Jason Richard Bartram, 21, of Fredericksburg, Md. who was the registered owner of the Trailblazer and the passenger in the vehicle, was charged with aiding and abetting a DWI, which is a misdemeanor. He was placed in jail under $2,000 bond, Magill said.

The Marine was attempting to cross U.S. 17 about 200 yards north of Gum Branch Road at about 1:55 a.m. when Williams, who was traveling north, struck him. He died at the scene, Magill said.

The Marine’s death was the first traffic fatality that Jacksonville police have investigated this year, Magill said.

Contact staff writer Roselee Papandrea rpapandrea@freedomenc.com or at 353-1171, Ext. 238

Ellie

Rest In Peace