Driver in Toms River Fatal Crash Admits Guilt
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN) – In a tragic turn of events, Ashley Beams, a 32-year-old resident of Toms River Township, has pleaded guilty to Vehicular Homicide in connection with a motor vehicle crash that occurred on February 8, 2022. The crash resulted in the death of James Cruz, a 62-year-old individual from the Parlin section of Old Bridge Township. The announcement was made by Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer on July 24, 2023. Beams appeared before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P., for the plea hearing and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 15, 2023. The State will be seeking a term of six years imprisonment in New Jersey State Prison for this tragic incident.
The incident took place at approximately 10:30 p.m. on February 8, 2022, when officers from the Toms River Township Police Department received a report of a motor vehicle crash on Bay Avenue. Upon investigation, it was determined that Beams had struck James Cruz with her motor vehicle. The joint investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit revealed that Beams had failed to maintain her lane of travel and entered the shoulder while traveling eastbound on Bay Avenue. Tragically, Mr. Cruz was retrieving a package from his vehicle’s trunk at the time and was pinned between the two vehicles. The collision resulted in his death, with Mr. Cruz being carried a significant distance eastbound before the vehicles came to a stop.
Following the crash, Beams was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for the treatment of her injuries. Blood samples were taken from Beams, both at the hospital and as part of the ongoing investigation, which showed that her Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) at the time of the collision was significantly higher than the legal limit of .08. It is worth noting that in the State of New Jersey, a motor vehicle operator is presumed to be over the legal limit for alcohol consumption if their BAC is .08 or higher. Consequently, Beams was arrested on February 16, 2022, by detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit at her residence. However, due to New Jersey Bail Reform, she was subsequently released.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer expressed gratitude to Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Robert Cassidy and Senior Assistant Prosecutor Jamie Schron for their dedicated efforts in handling the case on behalf of the State. He also commended the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Advocacy Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit for their collaborative efforts throughout the investigation. Their combined efforts ultimately led to Beams’ guilty pleas and will soon result in her state prison sentence.
The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise from driving under the influence. It highlights the importance of responsible and sober driving to ensure the safety of all road users. As the sentencing hearing approaches, the community mourns the loss of James Cruz and hopes that this case will serve as a deterrent to others who may consider drinking and driving.
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