EAST LIVERPOOL, OH – A quiet riverside parking lot became the scene of tragedy last summer when a pregnant woman lost her life following a heated argument with her boyfriend, authorities say.
Cameron Martin, 20, faces a string of felony charges after prosecutors accused him of fatally striking 21-year-old Stephanie Householder, who was pregnant at the time, with his car at Broadway Wharf on July 19, 2025. The shocking incident unfolded about 90 miles southeast of Cleveland, leaving two lives lost and a community grappling for answers.
According to court documents, Martin stands charged with two counts each of involuntary manslaughter and aggravated vehicular homicide. Prosecutors claim Martin’s reckless actions not only resulted in Householder’s death but caused the “unlawful termination” of her pregnancy.
The night’s events began with an argument between the young couple, who had reportedly been in a relationship. As tempers flared, Householder left the vehicle and walked behind it, an act that, authorities believe, set the stage for the fatal turn of events. Moments later, Martin allegedly put the car in reverse, striking Householder in the parking lot.
First responders arrived swiftly after a 911 call reported a woman hit by a car at the wharf. They found Householder lying on the ground near the vehicle, Martin at her side. Despite officers’ and medics’ efforts, Householder and her unborn child did not survive. She was airlifted for emergency care in Pittsburgh but pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Investigators have pieced together that Martin was behind the wheel during the collision, but the question of intent lingers. Authorities noted that Martin immediately cooperated with detectives, providing his account of the argument and the subsequent tragedy. Investigators are still working to determine whether the collision was the result of an accident or deliberate action.
Those familiar with the case described the confrontation as a “relationship dispute” that escalated to deadly violence. In the days after Householder’s death, emotions in the community ran high. Martin organized a candlelight vigil in Householder’s memory at the same wharf parking lot, but what was meant to be a solemn gathering quickly devolved into chaos, prompting police to disperse the crowd and defuse tensions.
Martin remains jailed in the Columbiana County Detention Center, his bond set at $100,000 cash or surety. He is expected to appear before Common Pleas Judge Scott Washam for arraignment on February 26.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward to assist in clarifying the sequence of events. The case has left relatives and neighbors searching for justice and closure in a situation where sorrow hangs heavy over East Liverpool.