Teen Charged in Deadly Toms River Hit-and-Run: A Community Mourns and Seeks Justice
In Toms River, NJ, a community is grappling with grief and demanding accountability after a tragic hit-and-run incident. According to the New Jersey State Police, 574 fatal crashes occurred across the state in 2023. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of reckless driving and the importance of justice for victims and their families.
The Incident: A Chain of Events
On May 24, 2025, at approximately 7:25 p.m., Toms River Township Police Department responded to a motor vehicle crash on Route 37 eastbound, near the Thomas A. Mathis Bridge. Arriving officers found a white Mercedes sedan that had crashed into a utility pole. The vehicle was occupied by a female driver and a male passenger, both suffering from serious injuries.
Both occupants were rushed to Community Medical Center in Toms River. Tragically, the female driver succumbed to her injuries. The male passenger was transferred to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where he remains in critical condition.
The Accusation: Leaving the Scene
An investigation by the Ocean County Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit revealed that an Infiniti sedan had struck the Mercedes on the driver’s side, causing it to crash into the utility pole. The Infiniti sedan then fled the scene, continuing eastbound, traveling over the Thomas A. Mathis Bridge.
Shortly after 8:00 p.m., officers from the Seaside Park Police Department conducted a motor vehicle stop on a vehicle matching the suspect vehicle’s description. Officers noted that the vehicle had sustained heavy passenger-side damage and that the airbags in the car had been deployed. Further investigation revealed that this vehicle was the exact vehicle involved in the earlier crash, and that Abel Mathukutty, 18, of Lake Hiawatha, was operating the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Mathukutty was taken into custody without incident. He was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing. He is charged with leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash causing death and leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash causing serious bodily injury.
The Charges: What They Mean
In New Jersey, leaving the scene of an accident that causes injury or death is a serious offense. According to N.J.S.A. 39:4-129, all drivers involved in an accident must stop and provide their name, address, driver’s license, and registration information to injured victims, law enforcement officers, witnesses, and the occupants of any other vehicles involved in the crash. They must also render reasonable assistance to anyone in apparent need of medical treatment.
The penalties for a hit-and-run involving injury or death can include:
- Fines ranging from \$2,500 to \$15,000.
- Jail time of up to 180 days or prison time of 3 to 5 years.
- License suspension of 1 year.
- 8 points on your driver’s license.
- Insurance surcharges.
In addition to these penalties, a hit-and-run driver could face civil liability for the harm they caused. An injured victim could file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver, demanding compensation for losses like medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The Community’s Response: Mourning and Seeking Justice
The Toms River community is mourning the loss of the female driver and praying for the recovery of the male passenger. They are also seeking justice for the victims and their families.
“This is a tragic incident that has shaken our community,” said one Toms River resident. “We need to hold the person responsible accountable for their actions.”
Hit-and-Run Investigations: Challenges and Solutions
Hit-and-run investigations can be complex, requiring surveillance footage, eyewitness accounts, and forensic evidence to identify suspects. Quick reporting by bystanders can be crucial to solving such cases.
Insurance Issues: Navigating the Aftermath
Victims of hit-and-runs often face complications when filing insurance claims. Uninsured motorist coverage can provide support, but navigating this process without legal help can be overwhelming.
New Jersey is a “no-fault” state, meaning that a car accident victim’s medical bills and other losses are paid through their own insurance company, even before learning the identity of the hit-and-run driver. However, if law enforcement locates the driver responsible for the hit and run, an attorney can help you seek money from your no-fault insurer up to your policy limits.
Legal Advice: Protecting Your Rights
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run accident, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and options, and can represent you in court if necessary.
A Call to Action: Preventing Future Tragedies
This tragic incident should serve as a call to action for all drivers to be more careful and responsible on the road. We must all do our part to prevent future tragedies like this from happening again.
Seeking Justice and Closure
As the legal proceedings unfold, the community of Toms River stands united in its grief and determination to seek justice. The hope is that this case will bring closure to the victim’s family and serve as a reminder of the importance of accountability on our roads.
If you have been affected by a hit-and-run accident, remember that you are not alone. Reach out to a qualified attorney who can guide you through the legal process and help you seek the compensation you deserve.