Manahawkin Man Guilty In Crash That Killed Teen: Prosecutor

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — A Manahawkin man has been found guilty in a 2021 Little Egg Harbor crash that killed one teen girl and injured another, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.

Michael Pillarella, 28, was found guilty of manslaughter and assault by auto in connection with the Jan. 30, 2021 crash, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. He was under the influence of drugs and was speeding at the time, Billhimer said.

The decision comes after a nearly three-week jury trial, at which the jury concluded that Pillarella had beyond reasonable doubt "recklessly caused the death of one victim, and recklessly operated a motor vehicle and caused serious bodily injury to the second victim," Billhimer said.

At about 9:45 p.m. that night, 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.

Pillarella is scheduled to be sentenced May 5, 2023, at which time he faces up to 15 years New Jersey State Prison.