Jersey City Man Indicted on Aggravated Manslaughter, Vehicular Homicide, Assault by Auto and Endangering Charges
Published on March 06, 2014
Acting Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces that Luis E. Torres, 37 years old, of Jersey City, New Jersey was indicted today as the result of a motor vehicle incident resulting in the deaths of three passengers in his vehicle.
On August 24, 2013, defendant and his family were traveling on Route 15 South in Jefferson Township, New Jersey. The defendant was operating a 2002 Ford Explorer when it flipped over. There were nine occupants inside the vehicle including the defendant. Three of the occupants were children under the age of 18. Several passengers were ejected from the vehicle resulting in the deaths of three passengers. The defendant and five remaining passengers suffered injuries. The decedents are Lucila Colon, age 62; Julissa Colon, age 36; and Tevia Booth, age 11.
Defendant was indicted on three counts of First Degree Aggravated Manslaughter; three counts of Second Degree Vehicular Homicide; one count of Third Degree Assault by Auto; five counts of Fourth Degree Assault by Auto; and one count of Third Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child. He has also been charged with several motor vehicle violations including Driving While Intoxicated and Reckless Driving.
The State is represented by Assistant Prosecutor/SDAG Brian DiGiacomo in this matter.
Anyone with information relating to these charges is urged to contact The Morris County Prosecutor's Office, Major Crimes Unit at (973)-285-6200
Acting Prosecutor Knapp thanks the Jefferson Township Police Department, the New Jersey State Police, the Morris County Sheriff's Office, and the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit, whose efforts contributed to this result.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Any inquiries can be directed to First Assistant Morris County Prosecutor/SDAG Thomas Zelante at 973-285-6252 or tzelante@co.morris.nj.us.