Ocean County Prosecutor Brad Billhimer announced that 18-year-old Kailyn Gorga of Toms River has been charged with Vehicular Homicide and Assault by Auto in connection with a fatal car crash that occurred in Manchester Township on April 14.
According to the investigation, Gorga was operating a 2008 Mazda 3 with five passengers when she lost control of the vehicle, striking a center median and overturning on Lacey Road in Whiting at approximately 2:50 a.m. One passenger, 18-year-old Catalina Reinoso of Brick Township, succumbed to her injuries on April 19, 2024, after being airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center. Another passenger, 19-year-old John Winkowski of Brick Township, was treated and released from the hospital, while the remaining occupants sustained minor injuries.
A court-authorized blood draw revealed Gorga’s Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) to be 0.099%, above the legal limit of 0.08% in New Jersey. Additionally, laboratory results showed an active THC (marijuana) level of 4 nanograms and a Metabolite THC level of 47 nanograms.
Gorga surrendered to Manchester Township Police on May 31. She is currently being held at the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.