ABSECON, N.J. — A New Jersey man has pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter in a high-speed crash that killed an 8-year-old boy sleeping in a parked car while his father fished nearby, officials said.
Edward Johnston, 25, of Galloway Township, admitted to the charge on Feb. 27, 2025, in connection with the July 23, 2023, crash that killed Javier Velez, 8, according to police.
Authorities said Johnston was intoxicated and driving at 107 mph westbound on White Horse Pike in Absecon when he slammed into the rear of a parked vehicle where the child was sleeping.
At the time of the crash, the boy’s father and brother were just outside the vehicle fishing, officials said.
Johnston is set to be sentenced on May 13, 2025, under a plea agreement that calls for a 15-year prison term, authorities said.
A night of fishing turned tragic when a reckless driver ended an 8-year-old boy’s life in an instant.