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[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.