Evelyn Valentine Clausius, 72, has been charged with one felony count of Accidents Involving Death or Personal Injury following a collision that occurred Friday evening on West Oak Street in Frackville. Clausius was arraigned on Sunday, May 4th, 2025, by on-call Magisterial District Judge Andrew Serina and committed to Schuylkill County Prison in lieu of $45,000 (10%) cash bail.
According to the criminal affidavit filed by Frackville Police, officers were dispatched at approximately 5:08 p.m. on Friday, May 2 to the 500 block of West Oak Street for a reported motor vehicle crash involving injuries.
Upon arrival, authorities found a three-wheeled motorcycle on its side blocking the eastbound lane. The operator, identified as Larry Burlile Sr., was found standing near the wreckage with visible injuries. His wife and passenger, Beth A. Burlile, 62, of Ashland, was discovered unresponsive in the roadway as emergency crews attempted lifesaving measures.
Witnesses told police that a red or maroon car suddenly cut in front of the motorcycle and struck its rear, causing the motorcycle to flip. The car then fled the scene, pulling into the parking lot of Boyer's Food Mart, but did not remain there.
Both Larry and Beth Burlile were transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital–East. Larry sustained road rash and facial injuries, while Beth was unresponsive. According to the Lehigh County Coroner's Office, Beth Burlile was pronounced dead at 8:31 p.m. at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest. An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6.
A follow-up investigation led officers to surveillance footage from Unity Mart and license plate reader data, which identified a 2008 red Chevrolet Aveo bearing PA registration JWE-7843 registered to Clausius. The vehicle was later located behind the Budget Inn on Coal Street in Frackville with fresh front-end damage.
Police say Clausius admitted to being involved in the crash when contacted by investigators.
Clausius now faces a second-degree felony charge for leaving the scene of a crash involving death or injury. A preliminary hearing date has not yet been scheduled.