Toms River, NJ – A Toms River man has been indicted on several serious charges following a high-speed crash in Lakewood Township last May that killed his passenger, authorities confirmed Thursday.
The Ocean County Grand Jury charged Martine Taylor Jr., 56, with aggravated manslaughter, vehicular homicide, and causing death while driving with a suspended driver’s license, according to a statement from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.
Crash Details: High Speed and Intoxication
Police previously reported that Taylor Jr. was driving under the influence and traveling more than 90 mph when his vehicle crashed in Lakewood Township on May 13, 2025.
The crash claimed the life of Christine Kroliczak, 52, of Matawan, who was a passenger in Taylor’s vehicle at the time.
Investigators noted that the Nissan Altima driven by Taylor Jr. veered into the opposing lane while heading west on Cedar Bridge Avenue, left the road, and became airborne, traveling 189 feet before hitting a utility pole, bouncing again, striking a tree, and finally coming to rest upside down in a drainage ditch.
Both Taylor and Kroliczak were extricated from the vehicle. Kroliczak, who was unconscious when police arrived, was pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts.
Blood Alcohol Concentration and Speed Findings
Following a blood draw from the day of the crash, officials determined Taylor Jr. had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .182, more than double the legal limit of .08. Investigators also confirmed he was traveling between 94 and 98 mph on a road with a posted speed limit of 50 mph.
Timeline of Custody and Charges
Taylor Jr. was initially taken into custody in September 2025 after being treated and discharged from the hospital for injuries sustained in the crash. At that time, he was charged with causing death while driving with a suspended license and was held in the Ocean County Jail before being released under New Jersey Bail Reform.
Four months later, Taylor Jr. was taken back into custody by the Lakewood Township Police Department Traffic Unit at a hotel in Toms River, “without incident,” and returned to the county jail, where he remains.
After this arrest, Taylor Jr. was charged with aggravated manslaughter and vehicular homicide, reflecting the results of the blood alcohol and speed analysis conducted by investigators.
Prosecutor’s Office Summary
In a detailed summary of the crash, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office described the incident as follows:
“While airborne, the vehicle struck a utility pole, resulting in severe damage to the undercarriage. The vehicle briefly made contact with the ground before becoming airborne again. During the second airborne phase, the vehicle struck a tree and ultimately came to an uncontrolled final rest on its roof in the drainage ditch.”
The prosecutor’s office emphasized the severity of the crash and the dangerous combination of high speed and intoxication that led to the fatal outcome.
How do you feel about New Jersey’s handling of DUI and high-speed fatal crashes? Do you believe current bail and sentencing laws are sufficient to prevent repeat offenses? Share your thoughts, safety concerns, and opinions in the comments below.
