18-Year-Old Toms River Woman Charged In April 14th With Vehicular Homicide And Assault By Auto
Thursday, June 6, 2024, 11:30 A.M. ET. By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ.- Last Friday, an 18-year-old Toms River, New Jersey woman was taken into custody and charged in connection with causing an April 14, 2024, motor vehicle crash, that claimed the life of an 18-year-old Brick Township woman, and left another four injured.
According to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, on Sunday, April 14, 2024, shortly before 3:00 a.m., members of the Manchester Township Police Department responded to a 911 Emergency Call reporting a serious single motor vehicle crash in the area of Lacey Road in Whiting, New Jersey.
Upon arrival, Police Officers located a 2008 Mazda 3, that was overturned in the roadway with multiple occupants injured. An investigation by Police Officers learned that the Mazda 3, being operated by Kailyn Gorga, 18, of Toms River, New Jersey while traveling southbound on Lacey Road struck a center-curbed median causing the vehicle to overturn.
John Winkowski,19, and Catalina Reinosa, 18, both of Brick Township, New Jersey sustained serious injuries in the crash. Ms. Reinosa was immediately airlifted to Jersey Shore Univesity Medical Center for treatment. Mr. Winkowski was also transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, for treatment. Three additional passengers were treated for minor injuries and were released.
Five days later, on April 19, 2024, Ms. Reinosa sadly succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased.
Following the crash, Ms. Gorga submitted to a court-authorized blood draw at the hospital. Laboratory results of the initial blood draw revealed that Gorga was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. Further analysis revealed that Gorga had THC (marijuana) in her system. Based on the analysis, Detectives found probable cause to charge her.
On Friday, May 31, 2024, Gorga surrendered herself to Manchester Township Police Headquarters, with her attorney, and was formally charged with second-degree Vehicular Homicide; and third-degree Assault by Auto. Gorga was processed on the charges and was remanded to the Ocean County Jail pending future court proceedings in Ocean County Superior Court in Toms River, New Jersey.
"The rules of the court requires us to include a statement, that 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: JUNE 6, 2024: LAW, LOCAL, OCEAN: