MANCHESTER – A Toms River woman has been charged in connection to a one-car crash that killed a passenger, officials said.
Kailyn Gorga, 18, was charged with Vehicular Homicide and Assault by Auto.
On April 14 at around 2:50 a.m., a 2008 Mazda 3 – operated by Gorga – was traveling southbound on Lacey Road in Whiting when it struck a center curbed median and overturned.
The car contained rear-seat passengers John Winkowski, 19, and Catalina Reinoso, 18, both of Brick, as well as three additional passengers, officials said.
Reinoso was airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center (JSUMC) in Neptune Township for treatment of her injuries. Winkowski was also taken to JSUMC for treatment of his injuries and thereafter released. The remaining occupants were also treated at JSUMC for minor injuries and subsequently released.
On April 19, Reinoso succumbed to the injuries she sustained in the crash, authorities said.
Gorga’s blood was obtained and results concluded that her Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) was .099 %, which is over the state legal limit of .08.
The laboratory results further revealed that Gorga had an active THC (marijuana) level of 4 nanograms (ng) with a Metabolite THC level of 47 ng, officials said.
On May 31, Gorga surrendered herself to Manchester Township Police Headquarters in the presence of her attorney, and was charged with Vehicular Homicide and Assault by Auto. She was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where she is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer commended the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad, Manchester Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced are merely accusations and the public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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