FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, NJ (Hunterdon County) – A 17-year-old has been charged in connection with a fatal crash that occurred in August in Franklin Township, according to Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée M. Robeson.
On Thursday, August 22, at around 7:30 a.m., police responded to the scene of a three-vehicle crash at the intersection of Hogback Road, County Route 617, and Lower Lansdown Road, Robeson said.
The investigation concluded that the juvenile driver from Clinton Township had been exceeding the speed limit on the roadway and did not stop at the designated stop sign. In addition to the driver, there were three other juvenile passengers in the vehicle at the time of the crash, Robeson said.
The crash resulted in the death of Sophia Detorres, 16, of Franklin Township, Robeson said.
The driver was charged on Tuesday with second-degree death by auto, fourth-degree assault by auto, and two counts of disorderly persons assault by auto. On Sept. 6, Franklin Township Police issued motor vehicle summonses against the juvenile driver for reckless driving, careless driving, disregarding a stop sign, and violating the conditions of a probationary licensee by having too many passengers, Robeson said.
Second-degree juvenile charges may result in criminal penalties including, but not limited to, a term of imprisonment of up to three years. Fourth-degree juvenile charges may result in criminal penalties including, but not limited to, a term of imprisonment up to eighteen months.
