A Howell woman is named in a 3-count indictment handed up by a Monmouth County grand jury today charging her with the 2015 death of a pedestrian, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.
Authorities charged Kathleen Mackey, known as Kathleen George, 38, of Howell, with one count each of first degree Aggravated Manslaughter, second degree Vehicular Homicide and third degree Causing Death While Driving Unlicensed.
The fatal collision occurred shortly after 5 p.m. on October 21, 2015, along Friendship Road in Howell near the intersection of Teak Road.
A joint investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Monmouth County Serious Collision Analysis Response Team (SCART) and Howell Township Police Department revealed Mackey was the sole occupant and operator of a 2015 Ford Focus when she failed to maintain her lane of travel. Upon entering the shoulder, the vehicle struck the victim, Leslie Stein, 65, of Howell, who was cleaning the shoulder area adjacent to his driveway and property. Stein suffered massive life-threatening traumatic injuries.
EMS rushed Stein to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune Township, where he died at 6:26 p.m.
Further investigation determined Mackey ingested prescription drugs prior to operating the vehicle. A blood sample taken from Mackey after the fatal crash revealed that she was operating the motor vehicle while under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance.
If convicted of Aggravated Manslaughter, Mackey faces a minimum sentence of up to 30 years in a New Jersey state prison, subject to the provisions of the “No Early Release Act” (NERA) requiring her to serve 85 percent of the sentence imposed before becoming eligible for release on parole. She would also be under parole supervision for five years following her release from state prison.
If convicted of Vehicular Homicide, Mackey faces a sentence of five to ten years in prison, and could face a sentence of three to five years in prison if convicted of Causing Death While Driving Unlicensed.
Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.