June 17, 2024
OLD BRIDGE, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Thomas J. Montagna of the Old Bridge Township Police Department announced today that an Old Bridge man has been sentenced in connection with the fatal crash that occurred on July 16, 2023, on Route 18 and Ferris Road.
On July 16, 2023, at approximately 11:17 P.M., authorities responded to Route 18 and Ferris Road following the report of a crash. Upon their arrival, authorities located a serious motor vehicle crash involving three vehicles. Florence Akoma, 45, of Sayreville, a passenger in a Honda Accord involved in the crash, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the same Honda Accord sustained serious injuries as a result of the crash and required hospitalization. A driver in another vehicle sustained minor injuries.
After an initial investigation led by Detective Dan Haviland of the Old Bridge Township Police Department and Detective James Alleva of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office it was determined that a Nissan Rogue operated by James Cannici, 21, of Old Bridge, turned left from Ferris Road onto the wrong side of Route 18 and struck the Honda Accord and another vehicle. Cannici was arrested at the scene for Driving While Intoxicated and subsequently charged with first-degree Aggravated Manslaughter, second- degree Vehicular Homicide, third-degree Aggravated Assault and fourth-degree Assault by Auto.
Pursuant to a plea agreement, Cannici pled guilty on February 2, 2024, to second- degree Vehicular Homicide, third-degree Assault by Auto, fourth-degree Assault by Auto and Driving While Intoxicated. Cannici was subsequently sentenced on June 14, 2024, by the Honorable Craig Corson, J.S.C., to 5 years in the custody of the New Jersey Department of Corrections, subject to the No Early Release Act (NERA), which means he will have to serve 85 percent of his sentence before being eligible for parole. Cannici will be on parole supervision for 3 years upon his release from prison and will have his New Jersey driving privileges suspended for 5 years upon his release.
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