Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on May 27, 2026, Luis Vazquez-Hernandez, 27, of Lakewood, was indicted by a Grand Jury sitting in Ocean County on the charge of Vehicular Homicide in connection with a motor vehicle crash that occurred on August 11, 2025, in Manchester Township, resulting in the death of Ramon Orellana-Asturias, 65, of Toms River.
On August 11, 2025, at approximately 8:15 a.m., Officers from the Manchester Township Police Department responded to the area of Hilltop Road and Route 70 for a report of a motor vehicle crash with a fatality. A subsequent investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad, Manchester Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that a 2014 Dodge van – containing a driver with three passengers – was traveling westbound on Route 70, when a 2017 Ford Sprinter van – operated by Vazquez-Hernandez – which was also traveling westbound on Route 70, crashed into it. Specifically, as the Dodge was attempting to make a left turn onto Hilltop Road, the Ford crossed over the double yellow line into the opposing lane of travel, passed stopped traffic from behind, and crashed into the Dodge. As a result of the crash, the driver and two front seat passengers of the Dodge were transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment of their injuries and subsequently released. The fourth occupant of the van, Mr. Orellana- Asturias, who was seated in the cargo compartment of the vehicle, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Vazquez-Hernandez was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River for treatment of minor injuries. Vazquez-Hernandez was issued multiple motor vehicle violations including Reckless Driving, Careless Driving, Speeding, and Improper Passing.
On August 18, 2025, Vazquez-Hernandez was charged with Vehicular Homicide. He remains a fugitive from justice, and his name has been entered into the National Crime Information Center database.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Taylor Toscano who presented the case to the Grand Jury on behalf of the State, and commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad, Manchester Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).