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A driver will face numerous charges, including vehicular homicide in New Jersey, after causing a North Brunswick car accident that claimed the life of an expectant father on September 28, 2013.
According to police, 28-year-old Shareef Holder was stopped by a police officer for fleeing the scene of an accident on Saturday night. The officer pulled him over shortly after the accident occurred because he noticed the damage to Holder's white Mercedes SUV. The officer told Holder to remain in his vehicle as he returned to his patrol car.
"As the officer was running his plate, he left at a high rate of speed," said Assistant Prosecutor Sheree Pitchford.
The police officer pursued Holder, finding him at the scene of another accident just minutes later. Investigators believe that Holder's speeding vehicle crashed into three cars that were stopped at a traffic light on Jersey Avenue near Huron Road. One driver, 22-year-old Luis Rodriguez of Franklin Township, was pronounced dead at the scene, his Honda was barely recognizable in the crash.
Avi Membreno, a family friend, said that Rodriguez had a lot to live for.
"I feel sorry for his girlfriend. She is pregnant with twins,” Membreno said. “I don't know what to say about that."
No members of Rodriguez’s nor Holder's families were present in court on Monday, when Holder was charged with vehicular homicide, manslaughter, and eluding police. His bail was set at one million dollars based on his previous arrest record.
Rodriguez’ family and friends gathered to grieve, placing flowers and candles at the site of the accident.
Our attorneys and staff wish to extend our sincere condolences to the victim’s family and friends as we keep him in our thoughts and prayers.