Man Acquitted of Murder

WOODBURY--A man who ran over his girlfriend with his Jeep following an argument last year has been acquitted of murder.

A Superior Court jury also acquitted Martin Phelps, 44, of aggravated manslaughter and vehicular homicide charges.

But Phelps, formerly of West Deptford, was convicted of leaving the scene of a fatal accident. The third-degree crime carries a maximum of five years in prison.

Phelps' attorney, John Eastlack, said he would seek probation when Phelps is sentenced January 28th.

Phelps struck 44-year-old Julie Johnson as she sat on the northbound shoulder of Route 45 in Deptford in April 2003.

The couple had argued, and prosecutors contended Phelps intentionally struck Johnson. But Phelps maintained that he didn't see her and that she was intoxicated and intended to commit suicide.

Author: NBC10/AP