Teen Charged with Vehicular Homicide in Manchester Crash Allegedly Presented False Identification to Authorities

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer made an announcement today regarding the recent development in the case of a fatal crash that occurred in Manchester Township on August 3, 2023. It has been revealed that the Toms River man initially charged in connection with the incident, believed to be 22 years old, is actually a juvenile. The shocking revelation came to light during the course of the investigation, indicating that the young man had provided false identification to the police, falsely claiming to be 22 when he was actually 17.

In light of this new information, the juvenile has been charged with a range of serious offenses, including Vehicular Homicide, Strict Liability Vehicular Homicide, Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Crash Resulting in Death, and being an Unlicensed Driver Involved in a Motor Vehicle Crash Resulting in Death. Additionally, due to the false identification provided to the police, the juvenile is facing charges of Hindering Apprehension by Giving False Information to Law Enforcement. These charges are all in connection with the motor vehicle crash that took place on August 3, 2023, in Manchester Township.

The incident occurred at approximately 10:00 p.m. when officers from the Manchester Township Police Department responded to a report of a serious motor vehicle crash in the area of 1881 Route 37. Upon arriving at the scene, the officers discovered that a 2007 Yamaha motorcycle and a 2005 Nissan Murano were involved in the crash. Disturbingly, the driver of the Nissan Murano had fled the scene, leaving behind the injured motorcyclist, Jeffrey Schlinger, 23, of Toms River. Tragically, Mr. Schlinger succumbed to his injuries after being transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River.

Through an extensive investigation carried out by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit and the Manchester Township Police Department, it was determined that the juvenile was the operator of the Nissan Murano. The investigation also revealed that the juvenile pulled out onto Route 37 without yielding to the motorcycle, causing the collision. Rather than stopping after the crash, the juvenile continued eastbound on Route 37 until his vehicle became inoperable. He then fled the scene on foot into a nearby wooded area, where he was eventually apprehended by Manchester Township Police Officers.

Prosecutor Billhimer expressed his gratitude for the collaborative effort of multiple law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation, including the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, the Manchester Township Police Department, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Ocean County Department of Corrections.

It is important to note that the charges mentioned are only accusations at this stage, and the presumption of innocence applies until guilt is proven beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. As the case unfolds, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office will continue its meticulous examination of the evidence, ensuring a fair and thorough legal process. R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).