New Jersey Woman Faces Vehicular Homicide Charge In Five-Car Wreck
A 51-year-old Haskell woman, who is facing drunk driving charges in connection with a fiery crash that killed a New York couple on Aug. 19, is now facing vehicular homicide charges, according to a news report in the New Jersey Herald . Officials said Kathleen Sullivan was under the influence of alcohol when she caused a chain reaction crash that send Keey and Cynthia Felski’s Ford Explorer airborne and injured the couple fatally.
Among the many charges Sullivan is facing are second-degree vehicular homicide, five counts of assault by auto causing bodily injury, the article stated. If convicted she faces a maximum prison term of 10 years. The Felskis were reportedly returning home to Brooklyn and were passing through New Jersey after dropping off their daughter at Syracuse University.
According to the accident report, Sullivan told police she did not remember how the accident occurred. She herself was injured in the crash and was treated and released at a local hospital. Investigators also told the newspaper that Sullivan was driving recklessly and not keeping to the right of the roadway. All six survivors of the crash were reportedly hurt in the crash.
Under New Jersey law, the commission of homicide with a vehicle is considered vehicular homicide. As is the case with the charges mentioned in the above article, it may be charged as homicide with a dangerous or a deadly weapon – the deadly weapon in this case being the vehicle.
This is indeed a serious charge. In this case, the crash itself was quite complicated involving several drivers and several vehicles. It is very important that a defense attorney in such a case conducts a thorough, independent investigation to determine who is at fault. A good defense attorney will listen to all sides of a story, especially the defendant – the client’s – side of the story.
At Lependorf & Silverstein, our track record speaks for itself. Remember, a homicide charge is the most serious charge anyone can face. It goes without saying that if convicted, you face some serious time in state prison. You deserve a fair trial and contacting an experienced and knowledgeable defense attorney is the only way to ensure you get a fair trial.
If you or a loved one has been charged with homicide in New Jersey, call us for a free consultation.
