Infant Beaten To Death, Ex-Assemblyman Killed, Explosive Fire: NJ Weekend

A former Assemblyman was killed in a two-car crash on Sunday morning, and a father has been charged in connection with the death of a three-month-old. Here are all the headlines you may have missed over the weekend in New Jersey:

Man Killed In Garden State Parkway Crash

A New Jersey man died Saturday morning after his vehicle veered off the Garden State Parkway, struck a guardrail and overturned in Tinton Falls.

Troopers responded at 6:12 a.m. to the single-vehicle crash on the northbound parkway near milepost 109.6. A preliminary investigation found the Mercedes-Benz SUV drifted left off the roadway before hitting the guardrail and rolling over.

Read More Here: NJ Man Dies After SUV Overturns On Garden State Parkway, NJ State Police Say

Several People Displaced After Fire Rips Through Home

Seven people were displaced and one person was injured after a fire tore through a Fairview duplex late Saturday night, according to media reports.

Flames broke out near 8th and McKinley streets, with neighbors telling News 12 they heard a series of loud explosions before the fire spread. The injured person was taken to the hospital; their condition had not been released as of Sunday evening, News 12 reported. Fire officials said the blaze appeared to originate at the rear of the building.

Pedestrian Dies After Being Struck By Car

A pedestrian died after being hit by a car in Millburn on Friday night, authorities say.

The fatal crash took place at 8:42 p.m. at the intersection of JFK Parkway and Fineran Way. Emergency responders took the pedestrian to Overlook Hospital in Summit. He was pronounced deceased at 9:49 p.m.

Read More Here: Pedestrian Dies After Being Struck By Car In Millburn, Police Investigation Continues

Ex-NJ Assemblyman Dies In Newark Car Crash

Alberto Coutinho, a former state assemblyman in North Jersey, died in a car crash in Newark on Sunday morning. The fatal, two-car crash took place around 7:30 a.m. near McCarter Highway and South Street. Coutinho, 56, of Newark, was taken to University Hospital and pronounced dead at 8:02 a.m.

Read More Here: Ex-NJ Assemblyman Alberto Coutinho Dies In Newark Car Crash, 2nd Driver Injured

Man Charged In Hit-&-Run

A Jackson man was charged in connection with a hit-and-run crash that sent a young pedestrian to the hospital Friday night, according to media reports.

Jose Perez-Parada, 35, was charged with knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash resulting in serious bodily injury, the Asbury Park Press reported. The crash occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Hope Chapel Road near Hope Hill Lane, where Perez-Parada allegedly struck the pedestrian while driving a Hyundai Elantra northbound before fleeing the scene, APP reported.

NJ Father Charged In Infant’s Death

An Atlantic City man was charged with aggravated manslaughter in the death of his 3-month-old daughter, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office said. Antonio Reyes, 27, was arrested on March 27, authorities said. On Nov. 12, 2025, officers went to Reyes' home for a 911 call regarding an unresponsive infant, authorities said. The baby was rushed to the hospital, but died from her injuries, officials said.

Read More Here: NJ Father Charged In 3-Month-Old Baby's Death: Prosecutor

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com