Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced Thursday that Martine Taylor, Jr., 56, of Toms River, has been charged with aggravated manslaughter and vehicular homicide following a fatal crash in Lakewood earlier this year that killed 52-year-old Christine Kroliczak of Matawan.
The crash occurred shortly after 1:30 a.m. on May 13, when Lakewood police responded to reports from a tractor-trailer driver who said his vehicle had struck utility wires on Cedar Bridge Avenue near the Garden State Parkway overpass. Officers arriving at the scene discovered a 2015 Nissan Altima overturned in a drainage ditch adjacent to the roadway. Taylor, who was trapped inside, was rescued and taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for treatment. Kroliczak, who was in the passenger seat, was pronounced dead at the scene despite attempts to revive her.
An investigation by the prosecutor’s office, Lakewood police, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office determined that the Altima had been traveling westbound before crossing the centerline into the eastbound lanes. The vehicle then left the roadway, became airborne for nearly 190 feet, and struck a utility pole, tree, and guardrail before overturning. Authorities said Taylor’s driver’s license was suspended at the time of the crash. A blood sample was obtained at the hospital pursuant to a court-authorized warrant.
Taylor is facing multiple charges in connection with the incident, which remains under review by prosecutors.