LAKEWOOD – A Township man has been indicted for driving under the influence which resulted in a two-car crash that killed a woman, officials said.
Mordechai Berkowitz, 21, of Lakewood, has been indicted on charges of Aggravated Manslaughter and Aggravated Assault in connection with a crash that took place in Lakewood on July 22, 2022, that resulted in the death of Juana Lopez-Hernandez, 44, a citizen of Mexico.
The crash occurred around 8:20 p.m. in the area of South Lake Drive and East Lake Park Drive as a result of Berkowitz crossing over the double yellow lines on South Lake Drive, police said.
This caused a head-on collision with a 2017 Toyota Rav4, driven by Maria Flores-Moreno, 35, of Jackson, with Lopez-Hernandez in the front passenger seat.
Flores-Moreno was brought to Jersey Shore University Hospital in Neptune for treatment of the injuries she suffered in the crash. She is currently home still recuperating from her injuries, officials said. Lopez-Hernandez was brought to Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood where she was pronounced deceased.
Berkowitz was brought to Jersey Shore University Hospital where he was treated for his injuries. While there, blood samples were taken revealing that his Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) at the time was .157%, which is over the legal state limit of .08.
Further investigation revealed that Berkowitz was driving at 90 mph at the time of the crash. the posted speed limit on the roadway is 35 mph, officials said.
On July 27, 2022, Berkowitz surrendered himself to the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, with his attorney present, to be formally served with charges. He was then transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he was subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer acknowledged the efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Alyssa Mandara who presented the case to the Grand Jury on behalf of the State, and commended the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, Ocean County Victim Witness Advocacy Unit, Brick Township Police Department Traffic Safety Unit, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, and Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, for their combined and cooperative efforts in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced are merely accusations and the and 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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