Crime & Safety

Driver in Fatal Jefferson Crash Has Bail Hearing Tuesday

4 killed, including 11-year-old and unborn baby, in Route 15 crash Saturday.

A bail hearing for a man accused of driving an SUV drunk on Route 15 South Saturday night with nine passengers, several of which were ejected from the car and killed, is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, according to a spokesman for the Morris County Prosecutor's Office.

Two adults, an 11-year-old and unborn baby were killed as a result of the crash.

Luis Torres, 37, of Jersey City, allegedly told authorities he had been drinking that day and was "probably twice the legal limit" when he got behind the wheel to drive the 2002 Ford Explorer. Torres was charged with three counts of first-degree aggravated manslaughter, three counts of second-degree vehicular homicide and five counts of fourth-degree assault by auto. He was sent to the Morris County Correctional Facility in lieu of $750,000 bail.

The crash happened just before 7 p.m. Saturday on Route 15 South, near the intersection of Heller's Lane, when he suddenly swerved and drove off the road, according to Knapp. The vehicle overturned and several people were ejected.

Torres and many passengers were sent to St. Clare's Dover Hospital. 

Torres' hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. before Judge Robert Gilson in Morristown court.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact the Jefferson Township Police Department at 973-697-1300.

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