NJ Man Sentenced In Christmas Eve Crash That Killed Howell Woman

HOWELL, NJ - An Ocean County man who pleaded guilty in connection with a 2020 Christmas Eve that killed a Howell grandmother has been sentenced to seven years in state prison, authorities said.

Roberto Alcazar-Sanchez, 28, of Jackson, was sentenced on Friday as a result of his guilty plea on Feb. 24 to a deadly hit-and-run, which killed Phyllis Shtab, 81, of Howell. Read more: Howell Couple Hit, Woman Killed In Christmas Eve Car Crash

The crash happened about 6 p.m. Dec. 24, 2020, authorities said. Norman Shtab, 83, was driving a 2010 Mercedes Benz. He got off Interstate 195 at exit 21, and as he turned left onto Cedar Swamp Road, his car collided with a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado.

Shtab and his wife Phyllis were both injured in the crash and taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune. Norman Shtab was treated and later released, but Phyllis, 81, died on Dec. 26, 2020, as a result of her injuries, authorities said.

Alcazar-Sanchez had run away from the scene of the crash, and was identified by authorities as the driver a few days later, with authorities issuing a warrant for his arrest on Dec. 30, 2020. They learned he had left the United States and traveled to Mexico.

Alcazar-Sanchez surrendered to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents in Laredo, Texas, on March 3, 2021, and was extradited to Ocean County. He has been in the Ocean County Jail since March 31, 2021.

With reporting by Karen Wall.