Manahawkin Driver Who Killed Teen While High Sentenced To Prison

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — The Manahawkin driver who, while speeding and under the influence of drugs, killed one teenager and badly injure another, will be spending two decades in prison, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.

Michael Pillarella, 28, was sentenced to 17 years in New Jersey State Prison after he was found guilty of manslaughter in connection with the Jan. 30, 2021 crash in Little Egg Harbor, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

Pillarella was also sentenced to four years in prison for a count of assault by auto, Billhimer said. These sentences will run consecutively, he said.

The sentences are subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act, meaning that Pillarella will be required to serve at least 85 percent of his prison sentence before he may be considered for parole eligibility.

Pillarella was found guilty on both offenses in early March after a nearly three-week trial.

At about 9:45 p.m. the night of Jan. 30, 2021, Little Egg Harbor Township police responded to Radio Road and Baltusrol Court for a report of a crash, Billhimer said.

Pillarella was driving a 2017 Hyundai Elantra northbound on Radio Road when he failed to negotiate a curve, crossing over the centerline and crashing into a 2006 Toyota XB that was heading south, Billhimer said.

A teenage girl was driving the Toyota; another teenage girl was her passenger, Billhimer said.

Both were severely injured and were airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, Billhimer said.

Pillarella was airlifted to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center Trauma Center in Atlantic City, Billhimer said. A warrant was obtained for a draw of his blood. He was treated and signed himself out of the hospital against medical advice, Billhimer said.

Pillarella was initially issued several motor vehicle summonses in connection with the crash, Billhimer said, but further investigation lead to additional charges on Feb. 1, 2021 of aggravated assault and assault by auto - two counts for each. He has been in Ocean County Jail since.

On Feb. 9, 2021, the passenger died from her injuries at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Billhimer said. Pillarella's charges were upgraded to include aggravated manslaughter and vehicular homicide.

A blood draw on Feb. 15, 2021 revealed that Pillarella was under the influence of a combination of Alprazolam, Methadone, Fentanyl and alcohol, Billhimer said.

He was also speeding, going about 80 miles per hour, Billhimer said.