NJ Drunken Driver Who Hit, Killed 70-Year-Old Faces Judge

WARREN COUNTY, NJ — A man found responsible for a fatal hit-and-run three years ago has been sentenced to prison.

Jefferson A. Chimbo-Pelaez, 29, of Hackettstown, was sentenced to six years in prison on Tuesday for his role in a drunken driving collision that killed a pedestrian three years ago.

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On Jan. 7, 2023, police were called to Reese Avenue in Hackettstown on reports of an unresponsive person.

Police found Jeanne Picariello, 70, also of Hackettstown, had been hit by a car. Her injuries proved fatal, and she was pronounced dead after being airlifted to the Morristown Medical Center.

An investigation revealed that Chimbo-Pelaez, 25 at the time, had been behind the wheel, drunk, when he struck Picariello. He fled the scene of the accident.

Chimbo-Pelaez was charged with aggravated manslaughter, death by auto, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, strict liability vehicular homicide, and endangering an injured victim. He later pleaded guilty.

In addition to the prison sentence, Chimbo-Pelaez is ordered to pay fines, will be subject to three years of parole supervision, and will have his driver’s license revoked for life.