Union County Dad Charged With DWI, Fatal Crash Of Daughter, 9

ELIZABETH, NJ — An Elizabeth father, who was reportedly driving while intoxicated, was charged with vehicular homicide following a fatal crash that killed his nine-year-old daughter in his car, authorities announce.

Marcelo Rizzo, 37, of Elizabeth was driving a Ford Focus on I-295 north in Mount Laurel, when he struck a vehicle, went off the right side of the road, and struck several trees on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, New Jersey State Police said.

Marcelo Rizzo and Juliana Rizzo, 8, of Union sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to Cooper Medical Center. Madelynn Rizzo, 9, of Union was pronounced dead at the scene, NJ State Police said.

Marcelo Rizzo was found to have been driving under the influence and driving his vehicle erratically when he struck a vehicle in the center lane and went off the road, police reported.

Marcelo Rizzo was charged with vehicular homicide, assault by auto, endangering the welfare of a child, and DWI. He was lodged at Burlington County Jail pending a detention hearing, police report.

(Image via New Jersey State Police)

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