Shelby County Man Faces Multiple Felony Charges After Fatal Wrong-Way DWI Crash

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By Marlana Smith

 

A Clarence man is facing multiple felonies following a deadly wrong-way crash on U.S. Highway 61 that claimed one life and left three others injured.

According to the probable cause statement, 61-year-old William W. Strausbaugh was driving a black Chevrolet Suburban southbound in the northbound lanes of U.S. 61 just after 1:30 a.m. on July 24, 2025, when he struck a white Nissan Altima head-on near Ocean Wave Road in Ralls County.

The impact killed a rear seat passenger in the Nissan. The driver and front seat passenger, both suffered serious injuries and were flown by helicopter to area hospitals. Another rear seat passenger, sustained injuries and was transported by ambulance.

When officers arrived, Strausbaugh was being removed from his heavily damaged vehicle. The investigating trooper noted Strausbaugh allegedly had slurred speech, watery eyes, and a strong odor of intoxicants. He admitted he was trying to drive from Hannibal to Clarence but denied drinking. A field sobriety test revealed indicators of impairment, and a preliminary breath test showed a blood alcohol concentration of .087.

Strausbaugh was arrested at 2:29 a.m. and transported to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment. Authorities later confirmed he was not wearing a seat belt and had been driving with a revoked license. A computer check also revealed multiple prior DWI-related arrests. At the hospital, he refused to submit a blood sample after being read Missouri’s Implied Consent and Miranda rights.

Following medical treatment, Strausbaugh was taken to the Marion County Jail and placed on a 24-hour hold.

Strausbaugh is being charged in case No. 25RL-CR00125 with DWI – Death of Another, Felony C; two counts of DWI – Serious Physical Injury, Felony D and DWI – Physical Injury, Felony E by Prosecuting Attorney Rodney J Rodenbaugh.

A warrant was served for the arrest of Strausbaugh on Friday, July 25, 2025. He is being held in the Marion County Jail on no bond.

All suspects are innocent unless proven guilty in court.