Howell Resident Charged Following Crash That Killed Freehold Man

Article by Adam Hochron

A Howell man was charged with vehicular homicide a month after a crash that killed a Freehold man.

Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni announced on Thursday that Jacob Cannizzaro, 21, was also charged with one count of third degree assault by auto following the single-car crash on the night of June 14. That night Cannizaro was driving a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt when his car went off Fort Plains Road and struck a tree.

At the time of the crash 22-year-old Mark Chilton of Freehold was riding in the backseat and was killed as a result of the accident. He was pronounced dead at the scene while Angelo Capasso, 21, who was in the front seat, was treated at a local hospital for injuries sustained in the crash.

Prior to the charges, Cannizzaro was issued several summonses including speeding and driving while intoxicated.

Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Francis J. Verniola set Cannizzarro’s bail at $100,000 and he was also required to surrender his license. If convicted of the second degree vehicular homicide crash Cannizzaro faces a maximum 10 years in prison. The assault by auto charge carries a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Monmouth County Prosecutor Jennifer Lipp of the Major Crimes Bureau. Cannizzaro is represented by Michael A. Grasso of Freehold.

Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated Cannizzaro was indicted following the crash. He was charged.