SOUTH TOMS RIVER – A borough man has been charged with vehicular homicide in connection with a June crash that killed a 57-year-old woman, authorities said.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said Tremel Haskins, 41, struck and killed Marie Bellavista with the cab of a Volvo semi-truck around 3:50 a.m. June 7 on Colgate Drive, then drove away. Bellavista was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police later found Haskins and the truck in a Walmart parking lot in Toms River. He was initially charged with driving while intoxicated and multiple motor vehicle offenses. A blood test revealed active THC levels indicating recent marijuana use, prosecutors said.
A search of the truck turned up a loaded .38-caliber revolver, leading to additional weapons charges because of Haskins’ prior drug convictions. He surrendered to police June 17 and was released under bail reform rules.
Following lab results, a warrant was issued July 31. Haskins was arrested Aug. 11 by the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office and remains in the county jail pending a detention hearing.
