N.J. Man Charged With Verona Hit-And-Run Death

Verona, NJ – Authorities have made an arrest in connection with the hit-and-run death of local businessman, Matthew BeneduceMcGrath, 59, of Verona.

On Tuesday, police arrested Jose A. Asencio, 44, of Newark, and charged him with leaving the scene of an accident causing death, a second degree offense, according to a joint statement from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and the Verona Police Department.

According to prosecutors, surveillance video revealed that a light-colored Ford van struck and killed BeneduceMcGrath as he was crossing the street at Bloomfield Avenue and Hillcrest Terrace around 9:30 p.m. on June 24.

• See related article: Verona Man Was Victim In One Of 2 Fatal Hit-And-Run Accidents In New Jersey

Emergency responders transported BeneduceMcGrath to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 9:58 p.m., authorities said.

Asencio was transported to the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark. His bail was set at $150,000 with a 10 percent cash option.

• See related article: Cops Seek Witnesses To Fatal Verona Hit-And-Run: PHOTOS

Authorities said that an investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force tips line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.

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