Victim was 80-year-old grandmother; suspect facing multiple charges
OCEAN VIEW — State Police have arrested an Upper Township man in the fatal hit and run of 80-year-old wife, mother and grandmother Marge Straubmuller on Dec. 29.
Authorities said Hugo M. Maucher, 50, was charged with knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in death, violating public law intended to protect public safety and recklessly causing the death of Straubmuller.
The New Jersey State Police Troop A Criminal Investigation Office said the incident occurred at 6:28 p.m. at the intersection of Stagecoach Road and Brewhaus Lane in Ocean View.
According to the State Police Facebook page, the vehicle was traveling north on Stagecoach Road when it struck Straubmuller. Witnesses reported seeing a man on the scene before troopers arrived.
The vehicle was described as a silver/gray SUV with one or two “OC” bumper stickers. The driver was described as a white male in his 50s, about 5 feet, 10 inches tall, weighing 220-250 pounds with short gray/brown hair and glasses.
According to the affidavit of probable cause obtained from the New Jersey Courts, Straubmuller was located in the northbound lane of Stagecoach Road showing signs of significant trauma. Due to significant injuries, she was transported by Upper Township EMS to a landing zone on Norwood Road, from where she was flown to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City.
While being treated, Straubmuller succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at 7:46 p.m.
“Any time we lose a member of the community to a senseless act like that it is heartfelt, and I am grateful to the State Police and their diligence,” Upper Township Committeeman Mark Pancoast said. “Hopefully that will give the family some closure knowing he’s not out there on the loose.”
The affidavit stated attorney John Tumelty advised that his client contacted him on the day after the crash and asked if he would assist in turning himself in to the State Police.
Tumelty acknowledged that his client was driving the vehicle during the fatal motor vehicle crash but advised that Maucher would not be providing a statement. Through investigative means, it was determined that Maucher owns a gray 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee registered in his name. The vehicle matches the description provided by various witnesses from the scene.
On Jan. 3, Tumelty arrived at the New Jersey State Police Woodbine Station with his client. Maucher was observed to be a 6-foot, 5-inch-tall white male, about 270 pounds, with wire-rimmed glasses and gray hair.
His first appearance is court was scheduled for Monday.
According to her obituary, Straubmuller was born in Somers Point and attended Ocean City High School. The mother of three worked as a secretary for the Child Study Team in the Dennis Township School System.
Straubmuller loved gardening, spending time at the beach with her family and her grandsons. She is survived by her three sons, Richard Jr. and his wife Carisa, John and longtime partner Lori, and James, as well as by her brothers Jack and Tom and grandsons John Jr., Eric, Andrew and James Jr.
By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
