BRICK – A driver with fentanyl and marijuana in her system was sentenced to five years in prison for a crash that killed a local woman.
Ashley Watkins, 32, of Eatontown, had previously pled guilty to Vehicular Homicide and Driving While Intoxicated.
She had been driving on Lanes Mill Road on May 9, 2021. Her 2011 Toyota Camry was heading southwest when it crossed the center line and collided head-on with a 2014 Dodge Caravan.
The passenger in the van, Nancy Penrod, 78, of Brick, later succumbed to her injuries. The driver of the van, Terry Penrod, 78, of Brick, suffered a broken leg.
Watkins sustained minor injuries. Tests of her blood revealed fentanyl, marijuana and Benadryl in her system.
She won’t be eligible for parole until 85% of her sentence is served, as part of the No Early Release Act.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer acknowledged the efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Kimberly Carr who handled the case on behalf of the State, as well as the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Advocacy Unit, Brick Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their cooperative efforts in connection with this investigation leading to Watkin’s arrest, guilty plea, and now her state prison sentence.
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