FRANKLIN BOROUGH, N.J. (Sussex County) — A state grand jury has declined to file criminal charges against a Franklin Borough police sergeant in connection with the death of 19-year-old Deanna D’Arco of Vernon following a May 27, 2024, motor vehicle crash in Franklin Borough.
The Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) investigated the incident and presented the case to the grand jury in line with the Independent Prosecutor Directive of 2019. Standard operating procedures established in 2021 ensure such presentations are conducted in a neutral and transparent manner.
The investigation reviewed dispatch and 911 audio, dashboard and surveillance video, interviews, photographs, crash reports, data from the police vehicle’s event recorder, toxicology results, and autopsy findings. After considering the evidence, the grand jury voted “no bill” on Sept. 29, 2025, determining that no charges should be filed against Sgt. William Grissom of the Franklin Police Department.
According to the findings, Sgt. Grissom was driving southbound on Route 23 in a marked police vehicle at about 38 to 40 mph when a black Honda Prelude exited the ShopRite parking lot near Walsh Street. The Honda crossed into the southbound lane, and Grissom’s vehicle collided with the passenger side of the car, where D’Arco was seated.
Grissom immediately reported the crash, helped remove the Honda’s passenger door, and assisted at the scene until additional officers and emergency responders arrived.
D’Arco sustained life-threatening injuries and was taken to Newton Medical Center before being transferred to Morristown Medical Center, where she died on May 29, 2024. The Honda’s driver and Grissom were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
As required under New Jersey law, all deaths involving law enforcement encounters must be presented to a grand jury for review. Following the conclusion of the investigation, OPIA will determine whether the matter should be referred for administrative review under the Attorney General’s internal affairs policies.
