A 68-year-old Seaside Park man, John Marrone, has been charged in connection with a fatal hit-and-run accident that occurred in Toms River Township on July 21, 2024.
According to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Marrone was driving a black Ford F-150 on Route 166 when he struck and killed 48-year-old Gonzalo Jimenez-Hernandez, who had stepped into the roadway. Marrone allegedly fled the scene, leaving Jimenez-Hernandez to succumb to his injuries at Community Medical Center.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office led to the discovery of the unoccupied Ford F-150 at a nearby apartment complex. Detectives linked the vehicle to Marrone, who was later found on foot and taken into custody.
Marrone has been charged with Causing Death or Injury While Driving with a Suspended or Revoked Driver’s License and Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident Resulting in Death. He is currently being held at the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
The results of a blood draw obtained from Marrone pursuant to a court-authorized warrant are still pending. The investigation is ongoing.