August 9, 2023
MANCHESTER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that the Toms River man previously charged in connection with a fatal crash that occurred in Manchester Township on August 3, 2023, and believed to be 22 years-old – is actually a juvenile.
“At the time of the fatal crash, the young man presented identification indicating he was 22-years-old. Further investigation revealed that he provided false identification to the police and that he was actually 17-years-old. The juvenile has been charged with Vehicular Homicide, Strict Liability Vehicular Homicide, Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Crash Resulting in Death, being an Unlicensed Driver Involved in a Motor Vehicle Crash Resulting in Death. As a result of providing false identification to the police, the juvenile has also been charged with Hindering Apprehension by Giving False Information to Law Enforcement, all in connection with a motor vehicle crash that occurred in Manchester Township on August 3, 2023,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.
On August 3, 2023, at approximately 10:00 p.m., Officers from the Manchester Township Police Department were summoned to the area of 1881 Route 37 for a report of a serious motor vehicle crash. Responding Officers determined that a 2007 Yamaha motorcycle and a 2005 Nissan Murano were involved in a crash, and that the driver of the Nissan Murano had fled the scene. An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit and Manchester Township Police Department revealed that the Yamaha motorcycle was being driven by Jeffrey Schlinger, 23, of Toms River, and was traveling eastbound on Route 37. The Nissan Murano, operated by the juvenile, pulled out onto Route 37 – failing to yield to the motorcycle. The motorcycle was unable to avoid a collision and struck the rear passenger side door of the Nissan Murano. As a result, Mr. Schlinger suffered serious injuries. He was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where he ultimately succumbed to those injuries.
Further investigation revealed that after the crash, the juvenile continued eastbound on Route 37 until his vehicle became inoperable. The juvenile then exited the vehicle and fled on foot into a nearby wooded area. He was ultimately located by Manchester Township Police Officers. Once apprehended, the juvenile gave false information to the Officers as to his identity. The juvenile is being detained in the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, Manchester Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Ocean County Department of Corrections, for their collective assistance in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).
