SOMERVILLE, NJ (Somerset County) – A Somerset County man has pleaded guilty to two counts of vehicular homicide, according to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office.
Amitoj Oberoi, 30, Somerset entered guilty pleas on June 18 to two counts of first-degree vehicular homicide before the Honorable Jonathan W. Romankow, J.S.C., authorities said.
The guilty pleas expose Oberoi to a prison term of 15 years with 85% to be served without eligibility for parole pursuant to the No Early Release Act. He also entered a guilty plea to a motor vehicle offense for driving while intoxicated, the prosecutor’s office said.
The crash happened on Aug. 27, at around 6:22 a.m., on Somerset Street (Route 27) near Voorhees Avenue, in the Somerset section of Franklin Township, officials said.
Responding Officers along with Emergency Medical, and Rescue-Fire personnel upon arrival-initiated life saving measures on the occupants of the vehicle, authorities said.
Oberoi was transported to an area trauma center via ambulance with undisclosed injuries sustained from the crash. Oberoi is listed in stable condition and is expected to recover, officials said.
The vehicle was occupied by three passengers:
- Passenger #1 – front seat passenger, identified as a 29-year-old male of Highland Park, sustained minor injuries, and refused medical attention at the scene.
- Passenger #2 – right rear seated passenger, identified as Carlos A. Perez-Gaytan, 24, of Somerset, was ejected from the vehicle at the time of the crash suffering fatal injuries, and was pronounced dead at the scene.
- Passenger #3 – left rear seated passenger, identified as Victor Cabrera-Francisco, 20, of North Brunswick was trapped in the vehicle following the crash and required extrication. As a result of the crash, he suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation has revealed that Oberoi, who is employed as an Edison police officer and off-duty at the time of the crash, while operating the 2007 Audi Q7 southbound on Somerset Street at a high rate of speed lost control of the vehicle causing the vehicle to leave the roadway striking several trees, lamp posts and a utility pole upon coming to rest, the prosecutor’s office said.
Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 14 before Judge Romankow.
