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UPDATE: Man Faces Homicide Charges in Fatal Hit-and-Run Accident

Waukesha woman killed in an apparent drunken driving crash that injured another woman after the two women run out of gas on Highway 59/164.

 

This story was updated at 8:45 p.m. to include the identity of the victim and more details on the accident, as well as more information on the suspect.

Jean Feagles, 48, of Waukesha, was coming home from New Berlin early Saturday morning after dropping off her daughter when her car ran out of gas near Highway 59/164 and East Broadway in Waukesha.

As the car was being pushed, a 28-year-old Waukesha man struck the vehicle at 3:35 a.m. — ultimately killing Feagles and injuring her 16-year-old daughter, according to a family friend who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Waukesha police say the man, who is expected to be in court Monday, fled the scene but was arrested Saturday night in Racine. Police are recommending the Waukesha County District Attorney's Office charge him with homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle, homicide by negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and hit and run causing death.

Feagles, who had three daughters, died at Waukesha Memorial Hospital. Her daughter was treated for injuries and released, according to the Waukesha Police Department, which has not released the identity of the victim or her daughter.

Meanwhile, the suspect, whom Patch is not identifying until he is charged, is expected to appear in court Monday, where more details of the accident will be made public.

But for a close friend, the allegations of intoxicated use of a vehicle are “shocking.”

Adrian Lopez described the suspect, whose only record on the state's electronic court access system is a small claims filing and a seatbelt violation, as a “hardworking, nice guy.”

The suspect told Lopez he wasn’t drinking on the night of the accident and that he fell asleep at the wheel, Lopez told Patch. Lopez said he was told his friend turned himself into authorities in Racine, however, Patch was unable to confirm that detail.

He is not a trouble-maker. He is not a drinker; he is not a drug user,” said Lopez, who is a few years older than the suspect. “We look up to him because he is such an example for everybody. It breaks my heart so bad.”

Lopez, who has known the suspect since 2000, said he can’t even imagine what the victim’s family’s going through right now. But he also feels the suspect’s group of friends and family “have lost somebody that meant a lot for us.”

“We are in shock, too,” Lopez said.

Related Topics: Waukesha Crime and fatal car accident

Pennyluhu

4:18 pm on Sunday, July 22, 2012

I'm sure the loved ones of the woman he murdered don't care about priors. It only took once in their hearts. My prayers and condolences to them. Thanks to our police force who are doing a great job tracking down the heartless trash

annonymous

4:40 pm on Sunday, July 22, 2012

very tragic the girl who survived is a 16 yr old who had to give her mom cpr no child should have to deal with this

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Sarah Millard

5:13 pm on Sunday, July 22, 2012

Annonymous, if you have more details that you can share with Patch, can you send me an e-mail at Sarah.Millard@patch.com? I'd like to talk with you more. It is a very sad story to have to write.

Tina G

6:28 pm on Sunday, July 22, 2012

This is awful but KKP you may want to wait for more info before assuming this persons history.

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Sarah Millard

6:30 pm on Sunday, July 22, 2012

The suspect's history shows in CCAP that he only has a seatbelt violation. We will hopefully have more information tomorrow.

KKP

10:06 pm on Sunday, July 22, 2012

I see that the suspect has no OWI charges on his record...that being said, this is no less a tragedy...and my heart goes out to the families involved.

Rebecca

10:24 pm on Sunday, July 22, 2012

Angela, you know I love you and I'll be here for you. Justice will prevail and he will pay for what he's done. God is with you. My prayers are with you and your family as you already know. Gaby and I love you forever. The Lord God doesn't give you more than you can handle, even if you don't see it right now, with this tragic loss. May God give peace to the whole family ahnd I'm forever going to be there for you. Love you Boo Boo

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Sarah Millard

11:08 pm on Sunday, July 22, 2012

I had to remove several comments for violating the terms of use on this article because of profanity. I am also disabling commenting on this story as a result. To the victim's daughters, I am truly sorry for the loss of your mother. If you want to contact me directly, my email is Sarah.Millard@patch.com.

The editor has closed comments for this article.