South Jersey Tragedy: 8 Year-Old Boy Killed by Drunk Driver While Asleep

South Jersey Tragedy: Boy Killed by Drunk Driver While Asleep

South Jersey Tragedy: 8 Year-Old Boy Killed by Drunk Driver While Asleep

According to Atlantic County Prosecutors Office, the man who killed an 8-year-old boy who was sleeping in a parked automobile while traveling at 107 mph was sentenced on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

Authorities said that 26-year-old Edward Johnston had been found guilty of aggravated manslaughter and given a 15-year term in New Jersey State Prison. The No Early Release Act applies to Egg Harbor City resident Johnston. Before being eligible for parole, he must complete at least 85% of his sentence.

According to authorities, Johnston tried to drive home early on July 23, 2023, after drinking at a number of bars in Atlantic City. Johnston was unable to navigate a curve on White Horse Pike in Absecon because of his "substantial intoxication," according to investigators.

He lost control of his vehicle and collided with a parked vehicle. According to authorities, Johnston was traveling at 107 mph when the collision occurred.

Javier "Javi" Velez, an 8-year-old Philadelphia boy, was sleeping inside the parked automobile while his brother and father fished nearby. The crash claimed his life.

Kaylah Smith and Orlando Velez, Javi's parents, talked about their sorrow and the effect the collision had on their family during Johnston's sentence. The family was represented by two of Javi's aunts as well.