TOMS RIVER WOMAN CHARGED IN CAUSING THE DEATH OF A 62 YEAR OLD MAN FROM PARLIN NEW JERSEY
" Ashley Beams While Driving Intoxicated At 4 Times The Legal Limit Has Been Charged With Aggravated Manslaughter In The Death Of James Cruz."
February 18, 2022 2:40 A.M. ET By Art Fletcher Reporting For: Englebrook Independent News,
TOMS RIVER, NJ.- Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on February 16, 2022, Ashley Beams, 31, of Toms River Township, New Jersey has been Charged with Aggravated Manslaughter; Vehicular Homicide; and Strict Liability Vehicular Homicide in connection with a Motor Vehicle Crash that occurred in Toms River, New Jersey on February 8, 2022, resulting in the Death of James Cruz, 62, of the Parlin section of Old Bridge Township, New Jersey.
Ms. Beams was also Charged with the Motor Vehicle Offenses of Driving While Intoxicated; Reckless Driving; Failure to Maintain Lane; Careless Driving; and Failure to Wear a Seatbelt.
On Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at approximately 10:30 p.m., Members of The Toms River Township Police Department responded to the area of Bay Avenue for a report of a Motor Vehicle Crash. Upon arrival, Police Officers determined that James Cruz had been Struck by a Motor Vehicle operated by Ms. Beams.
An investigation by The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that Ms. Beams had been traveling Eastbound on Bay Avenue approaching the cross street of Twin Oaks Drive. Shortly after passing Twin Oaks Drive, Beams failed to maintain her lane of travel and entered the shoulder striking Mr. Cruz, who at the time was retrieving a package from the trunk of his vehicle.
As a result of the Collision, Mr. Cruz was pinned between the two vehicles and carried a significant distance eastbound on Bay Avenue. Mr. Cruz was subsequently pronounced deceased at the scene.
Ms. Beams was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment of the injuries she sustained in the crash and a sample of her Blood was taken.
The initial Draw of her Blood at the hospital determined that Ms. Beams had a Blood Alcohol Concentration of .32 %. In the State of New Jersey, an Operator of a Motor Vehicle is presumed to be over the legal limit for purposes of Alcohol Consumption where The Blood Alcohol Concentration is .08% or Greater. On Thursday, February 16, 2022, Beams was Arrested by Detectives from The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit at her residence. Ms. Beams was transported to The Ocean County Jail, where she is presently lodged Pending a Detention Hearing.
" The Rules Of The Court Require Us To Include A Statement, Which States: The Charges Outlined In This Publication Are Merely Accusations And The Defendant And Or Defendants Are Presumed Innocent Unless And Until Proven Guilty Beyond Reasonable Doubt."
FILED UNDER FEBRUARY 18, 2022: LAW, OCEAN: