Street Racers Sentenced for Deadly Crash
Edison, NJ – In a tragic case that unfolded on January 20, 2022, two young men involved in a street race have been sentenced for their actions. The announcement came from Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Thomas Bryan of the Edison Police Department on Thursday, August 17, 2023. The individuals in question, Daniel Girgis, 18, of Dayton NJ, and Tyler Dickerson, 19, of Monmouth Junction, NJ, were charged for their role in the fatal crash that occurred during the race.
The incident took place when Edison Police responded to an accident on Route 1 South and Fox Road. Upon arrival, officers discovered that two vehicles driven by Dickerson and Girgis were engaged in a high-speed race, resulting in Girgis crashing into a vacant building. Tragically, Diana Somarriba, 18, of South Brunswick, who was a passenger in Girgis’ vehicle, lost her life. The investigation, conducted by Detective Matthew Colonna of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and Captain Dominic Masi of the Edison Police Department, revealed that Girgis had lost control of his vehicle while driving at a speed exceeding 100 miles-per-hour. While Girgis and another passenger, E.M., sustained minor injuries, Somarriba unfortunately did not survive.
Following the incident, the Family Court waived jurisdiction to the criminal court, allowing Daniel Girgis to be prosecuted as an adult. On January 13, 2023, Girgis pled guilty to second-degree Vehicular Homicide, and later on March 16, 2023, Dickerson pled guilty to fourth-degree Assault-by-Auto. The sentencing took place on August 17, 2023, where Superior Court Judge Andrea G. Carter, J.S.C., delivered the punishment. Girgis was sentenced to three years, subject to the No Early Release Act (NERA), for the crime of second-degree Vehicular Homicide. Dickerson, on the other hand, received a sentence of 364 days in the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center and was placed under 4 years of probation for the crime of fourth-degree Assault-by-Auto.
The tragic consequences of this street race have left a lasting impact, underscoring the importance of responsible driving and the potential dangers of illegal races. The sentencing of Girgis and Dickerson serves as a reminder that reckless actions have grave consequences and will be met with legal repercussions. As the community mourns the loss of Diana Somarriba, it is hoped that this case will act as a deterrent and contribute to safer roads for all.
