http://www.msnbc.com/local/WCAU/107865.

Woman charged in hit-and-run

(a photograph)

Karen Howard was escorted by her husband Ron to
the State Police Barracks in Bellmawr. She received
a third-degree charge.




BELLMAWR, NJ - The Camden County

prosecutor will ask for a stiff sentence for Karen
Howard, the woman charged in the hit-and-run
accident which killed Robert Hoagland.


“It is hard to imagine the motivation of someone who would leave an individual dying on the roadway,” Prosecutor Lee Solomon said Friday. Karen Howard was charged Friday with a third-degree crime of leaving the scene of an accident and could receive three to five years in prison if found guilty.

Howard of Marlton, New Jersey arrived with her husband, Philadelphia Eagles Public Relations Director Ron Howard, at the Bellmawr State Police barracks Friday morning. They would not talk to reporters.

Hoagland, 29, and his wife Maureen had pulled over to the side of the North-South Freeway to change a flat tire on October 11. The Atco couple had been celebrating their one-year anniversary, and the two were driving home from the Eagles game.

Howard’s vehicle struck Hoagland and his body was dragged down
the road. Sources tell News10 a witness saw Howard get out of the Explorer and ask if Hoagland was okay. When she learned he wasn’t, Howard reportedly got back in her Explorer and drove away.

Two days later, police found the damaged Ford Explorer at a dealership in Vineland. Police believe Karen Howard was behind the wheel of the Ford Explorer the day Hoagland was hit.

The victim’s wife Maureen is believed to be one of eight
witnesses to the hit-and-run. Her attorney Joel Garber said
Mrs. Hoagland was relieved to hear someone was arrested.
The family may pursue a civil suit in the case.

Many were angry Howard wasn’t arrested sooner. For those who believe Howard has received preferential treatment, Camden County Prosecutor Solomon said, “I could care less about the Philadelphia Eagles. They have absolutely no impact on this case.”

Solomon called the crime outrageous. “This person will be judged by their conduct individually, and not withstanding what any individual may feel about that team and their employees, I think that this person will be judged and tried based on her conduct. Our allegation is that conduct is outrageous and reprehensible,” Solomon said.

Solomon pointed out Howard is free, out on $15,000 bail which is twice what is normally set for a third-degree