Driver Admits Fleeing After Killing Howell Woman: Prosecutors

HOWELL, NJ — A resident of Ocean County has pleased guilty to fleeing the scene of a car crash on Christmas eve back in 2020 that killed a Howell woman, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.

Roberto Alcazar-Sanchez, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in death on Thursday, Feb. 24, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. Alcazar-Sanchez is scheduled to be sentenced on April 22, and the State will be seeking a term of seven years in prison.

On Dec. 24, 2020, around 6 p.m. Norman Shtab, 83, of Howell and his wife Phyllis Shtab, 81, were exiting I-195 at Exit 21 in a 2010 Mercedes Benz. As Schab made a left-hand turn onto Cedar Swamp Road, his vehicle collided with a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado.

When officials arrived on the scene, Alcazar-Sanchez had already fled on foot, according to Billhimer. Shtab and his wife had both sustained injuries in the crash and were transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune. Norman Shtab was treated and later released, but Phyllis succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead on Dec. 26, authorities said.

On Dec. 30, authorities issued a warrant for the arrest of Alcazar-Sanchez, after he was identified as the driver of the Chevrolet Silverado. Further investigation revealed that after fleeing the scene, Alcazar-Sanchez had escaped into Mexico.

Alcazar-Sanchez surrendered himself to authorities in Laredo, Texas, on March 3, 2021, and was extradited to Ocean County. He has remained in the Ocean County Jail since his return on March 3, 2021.

Senior Assistant Prosecutor Jamie Schron and Assistant Prosecutor Alyssa Mandara are handling the case on behalf of the state. Billhimer also commends the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office Vehicular Homicide and Victim Witness Advocacy units; Jackson Township police and their Special Emergency Response Team; Brick Township police; the Ocean County Sheriff's Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit and Field Services Unit/Warrants; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Laredo, Texas, police, and the U.S. Marshals Service, for their assistance in the investigation.