Toms River Teen Charged with Passengers Death in Fatal Crash Enters Guilty Plea
Toms River, NJ – Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato today announced that Connor P. Hanifin, 19, of Toms River entered a guilty plea to Vehicular Homicide and Driving Under the Influence. The prosecution, led by Senior Assistant Prosecutor Michael Weatherstone, is seeking 42 months in New Jersey State Prison with a stipulation that he serve 85% of the term. Sentencing is tentatively set for January 23, 2015. The plea stems from the Toms River, Yellow Bank Road fatal accident investigation in February of 2014.
The events of the case unfolded on February 8, 2014, at approximately 1:36 am, when the Toms River Police Department responded to a report of a possible motor vehicle collision near 972 Yellow Bank Road at the end of the cul-de-sac. Arriving Officers found a vehicle in the woods pinned vertically against several trees. The front end of the vehicle was resting on the ground with the roof of the vehicle against the trees and the trunk of the vehicle pointing towards the sky. Officers observed two (2) individuals still in the vehicle.
Additional emergency personnel arrived on scene (Fire, EMS and Medics) to assist with extricating, removal and treatment of the occupants. The vehicle sustained extensive damage that extended into the drivers compartment area requiring the driver, Connor Hanifin, to be extricated from the vehicle by the Fire Department. After Hanifin was extricated from the vehicle he was treated and later air lifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for treatment of his injuries. The front passenger, later identified as Francis Duddy, 19, of Toms River was also entrapped in the vehicle and was pronounced at the scene by Ocean County Medical Examiner Dr. Brodsky, ME at 3:15am.
The evidence at the scene indicated the Honda Civic, operated by Connor Hanifin was traveling west on Yellow Bank Road at an unsafe speed when it approached the intersection of Vaughn Avenue where Hanifin lost control of the vehicle on the curve prior to impacting the stand of trees on Yellow Bank Road.
During the investigation of the scene Toms River Police Officers observed alcoholic beverage containers in the vehicle. The blood sample obtained from Connor Hanifin was taken to an independent laboratory to determine whether Hanifin had any substances in his system at the time of the collision. The results of that testing revealed that Hanifin had a blood alcohol content that exceeded the legal limit.
On March 24, 2014, Connor Hanifin reported to the Toms River Police Department to accept his complaint. He posted bail that was set at $75,000 no 10% by the Honorable Judge Wendel E. Daniels. The charges were authorized by Senior Assistant Prosecutor Michael Weatherstone. Officer David Bartoshek of the Toms River Police Department and Det. Craig Ally of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office were the lead investigators. Connor P. Hanifin’s defense attorney is Steven Seacare. Mr. Seacare’s firm is located in Toms River, NJ.
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