Speeding Driver With Suspended License Killed Cherry Hill Grandmother: Prosecutor

LAWNSIDE, NJ — A man was speeding and driving with a suspended license when his vehicle struck and killed a Cherry Hill grandmother, according to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office (CCPO).

Anwar Parham, 29, has been charged for his role in a crash that killed Theresa Karbach and hospitalized another victim earlier this month in Lawnside, authorities said. Parham — a North Wales, Pennsylvania, resident — was arrested Thursday.

Parham's vehicle hit Karbach's car at about 9:30 p.m. May 13 around the White Horse Pike and Gloucester Avenue, the CCPO said. Karback and her passenger — a 69-year-old Pine Hill woman — were extricated from the vehicle and brought to Cooper University Hospital in Camden.

Karback, 69, of Cherry Hill, was pronounced dead at 11:11 p.m. that night. The injured passenger is still at the hospital for treatment, the CCPO said Friday.

Authorities haven't disclosed the passenger's name.

Further investigation revealed that Parham was speeding before and during the crash, the CCPO said. He was charged with death by auto (second-degree), driving with a suspended license during a fatal crash (fourth-degree) and assault by auto (fourth-degree).

Anyone with information on this matter can contact Det. Samuel Funches of the CCPO Crash Response Investigation Team at 856-397-4000 and Sgt. Ross Chase of the Lawnside Police Department at 856-573-6205. Tips can also be sent to CAMDEN.TIPS.

Karbach retired after 44 years as a patient account representative for Virtua Health System. In retirement, she "passionately used her skills as a 'people person' and self-proclaimed fashionista," working for several different stores, according to her obituary, shared by Bradley Funeral Home. She most recently worked at Brighton Collectibles in Cherry Hill Mall.

"She loved entertaining and making amazing meals for family and friends and most importantly, she loved spending time with her grandchildren," Karbach's obituary says.