Man guilty in crash that killed N.J. police officer
Jurors have convicted a man of vehicular homicide in a fiery crash that killed an off-duty police officer who was on his way home on Thanksgiving after working a drunken driving detail.
The panel in Ocean County also found 34-year-old Erick Uzcategui was impaired by alcohol and cocaine when he crashed into the back of 32-year-old Ocean Gate Officer Jason Marles on the Garden State Parkway in Toms River in 2010.
The officer’s vehicle crashed through a guardrail, overturned and burst into flames.
The Asbury Park Press reports Marles’ mother, Patricia Engrassia, yelled out, “Yes,” when the forewoman revealed the verdict on Thursday. Then she hung her head and wept.
Uzcategui faces five to 10 years in prison when he’s sentenced.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
Atlantic City mayor: I’m committed to my family and city while dealing with daughter abuse charges
In his first public comments since prosecutors on Monday charged him and his wife, Mayor Marty Small said he would not be distracted from his duties.
16 hours ago
The council president says an investigation led by the township solicitor began about three months ago.
16 hours ago
64-year-old Ray Pinney, of Boonton, is raising money for the Dylan’s Wings of Change charity, which helps student leaders.
23 hours ago