By: Richard L. Smith
In a solemn proceeding at the Essex County Superior Court, Marilyn J. Quisepe-Falcon, 36, pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Crash that Caused Death today.
The emotional hearing presided over by The Honorable Judge Ronald D. Wigler saw a four-hour delay due to Quisepe-Falcon's failure to show up on time with her lawyer, Joseph Fortunado. However, Fortunado took full responsibility for the miscommunication.
The tragic incident occurred on June 7, 2022, when 13-year-old Victor Huaringa-Alvez, a seventh-grader at Belleville Middle School, lost his life in a devastating hit-and-run crash.
According to The Essex County Prosecutor's Office, the young teen was riding a Yamaha dirt bike at the intersection of Joralemon Street and Garden Avenue in Belleville when it collided with a Ford Explorer around 5:30 p.m.
Essex authorities said Victor succumbed to his injuries approximately 45 minutes after the collision.
Disturbingly, the driver of the Ford Explorer fled the scene before law enforcement arrived, leaving a heartbroken family and a community in shock. Victor's loving mother and about 7 other family members were in the courtroom for today's proceeding.
The investigation by Belleville detectives and the prosecutor's office led to the identification of Marilyn J. Quisepe-Falcon as the alleged driver of the SUV.
Quisepe-Falcon, a resident of Belleville, faced multiple charges in connection with the tragic hit-and-run incident.
At the time, those charges included second-degree leaving the scene of a fatal accident, third-degree endangering an injured victim, and third-degree being an unlicensed driver involved in a deadly incident.
During the court proceeding, RLS Media learned that Quisepe-Falcon was also undocumented and not lawfully in the country.
In light of her guilty plea to the lesser charge of Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Crash that caused Death, Quisepe-Falcon is set to be sentenced in September. She will face a three-year 'flat' prison term and must return to her native country, Peru.
Quisepe-Falcon has no prior arrests and this incident is reportedly her first significant infraction with the law, which is one of several mitigating factors for the lesser charge.
Throughout the court hearing, Judge Wigler emphasized the seriousness of the charges and the need for justice to prevail.
The community of Belleville has come together several times to remember and honor Victor's life and celebrate the joy and laughter he brought to those around him.
The tragic events of June 7 serve as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible driving and the devastating consequences of leaving the scene of an accident.
The hope is that this case will not only bring closure to the grieving family but also raise awareness about the significance of taking responsibility for one's actions on the road.