Drivers Stay Away From This Area in Toms River
May 8, 2023Junior Chef 2.0 Competition at Toms River Schools
May 9, 2023
According to the Ocean County Prosecutor, The Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P. sentenced Michael Pillarella, 28, of Manahawkin, to seventeen years in New Jersey State Prison on May 5, 2023. Pillarella had previously been found guilty of manslaughter in connection with a car accident that claimed the life of a young victim in Little Egg Harbor Township on the evening of January 30, 2021.
On January 30, 2021, police from Little Egg Harbor Township reported a significant accident involving two vehicles to Radio Road and Baltusrol Court. It was discovered that Michael Pillarella, 28, of Manahawkin, was traveling north on Radio Road when he lost control of his vehicle and collided with an approaching vehicle.
Due to their significant injuries, the two teenagers in the other automobile had to be evacuated to
Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune. To receive medical attention for his wounds, Pillarella was flown to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center Trauma Center in Atlantic City.
On February 1st, 2021, Pillarella was charged with two counts of both aggravated assault and assault by auto.
One of the teenagers hurt in the incident succumbed from her wounds on February 9, 2021. As a result, aggravated manslaughter and vehicular homicide were added to the list of charges against Pillarella.
Pillarella tested positive for
Alprazolam,
Methadone, and
Fentanyl in the laboratory tests done on his blood, according to the police. Additionally, police discovered that Pillarella was traveling at an unsafe speed—roughly 80 miles per hour—at the time of the collision. He was subsequently accused of speeding.
Pillarella was also found guilty of Assault by Auto in connection with the same motor vehicle collision and received a four-year NJSP sentence as a result. The sentences will be performed in order.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the diligence and dedication of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Robert Cassidy and Assistant Prosecutor Alyssa Mandara who together tried this case on behalf of the State.
The Prosecutor likewise extends his gratitude to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crimes Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Advocacy Unit, Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department, Berkeley Township Police Department, New Jersey State Police, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, for their combined and collective efforts investigating this tragedy – ultimately resulting in Pillarella’s state prison sentence.
