22-Year-Old Old Bridge Man & 32-Year-Old Manalapan Man Surrender After Being Charged In June 2nd Fatal Crash
Thursday, July 11, 2024, 9:30 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
OLD BRIDGE, NJ.- On Monday, a 22-year-old Old Bridge, New Jersey man surrendered to authorities, and on Wednesday, a 32-year-old Manalapan, New Jersey man surrendered to authorities, both of who were charged in connection with a fatal crash that occurred in the early morning hours of June 2, 2024, in Old Bridge, New Jersey.
According to Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone, on Sunday, June 2, 2024, just minutes after 1:00 a.m., members of the Old Bridge Township Police Department responded to a 911 Emergency Call reporting a fatal motor vehicle crash on Route 9 near Ferry Road in the Township.
Upon arrival, Police Officers found several vehicles that had been involved in a serious crash. One of the vehicles, a Ford Mustang, being driven by Wilson Familia, 22, of Old Bridge, New Jersey, with three passengers, all of whom sustained injuries in the crash, were transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital for treatment and were later released.
Another vehicle that was involved was a BMW driven by Benjamin Futerman, 32, of Manalapan, New Jersey, Futerman was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in critical condition and was released several days later. The front seat passenger in Futerman's BMW, Kristina Godich, 31, of Manalapan, New Jersey, sustained fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
All other drivers and occupants of other motor vehicles involved in the crash were treated at the scene for minor injuries.
Following a swift-moving investigation by Officer Steve Connolly of the Old Bridge Police Department and Detective Matthew Colonna of the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office determined that Familia and Futerman were both driving their vehicles on Route 9 at an excessive rate of speed just prior to the crash with other vehicles on the roadway. The investigators concluded that the high rate of speed, together with the aggressive and reckless driving manner, was the direct result of the crash.
Accordingly, on Monday, Wilson Familia surrendered to the Old Bridge Police Department and was formally charged with one count of second-degree Aggravated Assault; two counts of third-degree Aggravated Assault; and one count of fourth-degree Assault by Auto, for the injuries his passengers sustained in the crash.
On Wednesday, Benjamin Futerman turned himself in at the Old Bridge Police Department and was formally charged with one count of first-degree Aggravated Manslaughter; and one count of second-degree Vehicular Homicide for the death of Ms. Godich. Following being processed on the charges, both Familia and Futerman were transported to the Middlesex County Courthouse where they each were released on pretrial conditions after making their first appearance.
"The rules of the court require 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 a reasonable doubt."
FILED UNDER: JULY 11, 2024: LAW, LOCAL, MIDDLESEX: