Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on June 13, 2025, Alejandro Huerta-Arias, 24, of Toms River, was sentenced by the Honorable Dina M. Vicari, J.S.C., to eight years New Jersey State Prison in connection with a motor vehicle crash that resulted in the death of Mark Mandel, 32, of Lakewood, which occurred in Lakewood Township on March 9, 2022. This sentence will be subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act (NERA), meaning that Huerta-Arias will be required to serve at least 85 percent of his prison sentence before he may be considered for parole eligibility. Huerta-Arias was found guilty of Vehicular Homicide following a nearly two-week jury trial before Judge Vicari on March 18, 2025.
On Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at approximately 8:15 a.m., Officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department responded to the intersection of Madison Avenue and Courtney Road for a report of a serious motor vehicle crash resulting in a fatality. Initial investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit and Lakewood Township Police Department Traffic Safety Unit revealed that Huerta-Arias was traveling northbound on Madison Avenue in a 2012 Infinity G35 when he struck a 2008 Chevrolet Impala, operated by Mr. Mandel, who was attempting to make a left-hand turn onto Courtney Road. The impact of the crash propelled Mr. Mandel’s vehicle into a traffic signal. Mr. Mandel was pronounced deceased at the scene. Huerta-Arias was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment of a fractured leg.
Further investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit and Lakewood Township Police Department Traffic Safety Unit revealed that the vehicle operated by Huerta-Arias was traveling at an average speed of 93 miles-per-hour at the time of the crash – more than double the 40 mile-per-hour speed limit posted on the roadway. Huerta-Arias was charged with Vehicular Homicide on June 7, 2022, and he surrendered himself at Lakewood Township Police Headquarters on that date. Huerta-Arias was transported to the Ocean County Jail. Although originally released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform, Huerta-Arias has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since the guilty verdict was returned on March 18, 2025.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the diligence and dedication of Assistant Prosecutor Stephen Burke who handled the case on behalf of the State. The Prosecutor likewise extends his gratitude to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad, Lakewood Township Police Department Traffic Safety Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their combined and collective efforts in connection with this investigation leading to Huerta-Arias’ apprehension, guilty verdict, and now state prison sentence.