OCEAN COUNTY – Federal immigration officials are seeking custody of two women facing charges after a vehicle struck a family outside a Jackson supermarket, killing a 9-month-old boy.
Multiple news organizations including Shore News Network, NJ.com and Patch first reported that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainers have been placed on Maria CobonGuzman, 20, and Ariadna Lazaro-Flores, 22. Ocean County Jail records confirm the information. The detainers request that jail officials notify ICE before either woman is released.
Authorities said CobonGuzman, a Guatemalan national living in Trenton, was behind the wheel when the vehicle hit a stroller in the parking lot of NPGS on West County Line Road. The crash was reported at approximately 11:55 a.m. Friday.
The infant, identified in court documents as Yitzchok Rosenberg, was taken to a hospital but did not survive. His mother suffered a broken left leg, while his 5-year-old sister sustained several scrapes, court records state.
Investigators allege CobonGuzman had never obtained a valid driver’s license. She faces charges of manslaughter, two counts of assault by auto and operating a vehicle without ever having been licensed while involved in a deadly crash.
Lazaro-Flores, a Mexican national who had been living in Toms River, owned the vehicle, according to authorities. She allegedly allowed CobonGuzman to drive despite knowing she was unlicensed.
Lazaro-Flores was charged with knowingly participating in conduct that placed another person at substantial risk of death.
Police arrested both women following the crash, and they were subsequently lodged in the Ocean County Jail. No defense attorneys were identified in available court records.
ICE did not provide additional details in response to a request from Jersey Shore Online.
The charges are accusations. Both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
A statement was released by Jackson Township officials in regards to the horrific incident. “The Jackson Township Council extends our deepest condolences to the family grieving the heartbreaking loss of their 9-month-old child following the tragic incident here in Jackson.
There are simply no words that can ease the pain of losing a child. Our hearts and prayers are with this family, their loved ones, and all those affected by this unimaginable tragedy.
As a community, we mourn alongside them and ask everyone to keep this family in their thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”
