NJ Drunken Driver Who Killed Woman Learns Fate In Court

WARREN COUNTY, NJ — A Warren County man who is responsible for the death of a woman has learned his fate in court.

Andrzej Szyszko, 53, of Hackettstown, was sentenced to prison on Thursday for his role in a fatal drunken driving crash.

On Nov. 22, 2023, the day before Thanksgiving, police were called to a three-car crash that occurred at the intersection of County Route 517 and Ridge Road in Allamuchy Township.

Authorities learned that Szyszko, who was drunk at the time, was responsible for the crash, police said.

Lauren Gerhold, 34, was killed from injuries she sustained in the crash.

In May, Szyszko pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter, death by auto, and two counts of assault by auto.

Szyszko was sentenced to 12 years for the aggravated manslaughter charge, seven years for the death by auto charge, and three years for both assault by auto counts, all of which will be served concurrently.

In addition to having to pay thousands in fines, Szyszko must serve 85 percent of his sentence and will lose his license for five years upon release.

A report from the New Jersey Herald said that Szyszko had been charged with driving while intoxicated in 2019, four years before the fatal accident.