Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on October 2, 2025, Danielle Bowker, 30, of Toms River, was found guilty of two counts of third-degree Vehicular Homicide in connection with a motor vehicle crash that occurred in Manchester Township on March 29, 2022, resulting in the deaths of Michael Sadis, 48, of Toms River, and Paul Lamberti, 58, also of Toms River. After a nearly five-week-long trial before the Honorable Dina M. Vicari, J.S.C., the jury concluded beyond a reasonable doubt that Bowker recklessly operated a motor vehicle which caused the deaths of Mr. Sadis and Mr. Lamberti. Bowker is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Vicari on December 12, 2025, at which time she faces up to five years in New Jersey State Prison as to each count.
On March 29, 2022, at approximately 7:15 a.m., Officers from the Manchester Township Police Department were summoned to the area of Whitesville Road and Route 571 for a report of a motor vehicle crash with a fatality. Responding Officers determined that five vehicles were involved in the crash.
An investigation conducted 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 2018 Honda Civic operated by Bowker was traveling westbound on Route 571 when she failed to maintain her lane of travel while negotiating a right-hand curve. The Honda Civic then struck a New Jersey Department of Transportation Ford F-550 pickup truck operated by Eduardo Rivera, 30, of Hamilton Township, which was traveling eastbound on Route 571; Daniel Septor, 26, of the Cream Ridge section of Upper Freehold Township, was a passenger in the Ford F-550. As a consequence, the Ford F-550 lost directional control and struck a 2012 Toyota Camry operated by Mr. Sadis, pushing the Camry off the roadway into an embankment. The Ford F-550 continued in the same direction of travel, and struck a 2015 Toyota Corolla operated by Mr. Lamberti.
As a result of the crash, Mr. Sadis was pronounced deceased at the scene. Mr. Lamberti was airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. Mr. Rivera and Mr. Septor were transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River for treatment of minor injuries.
Bowker sustained minor injuries from the crash and was also taken to Community Medical Center for treatment and subsequently released.
On June 21, 2022, Bowker was charged with two counts of Vehicular Homicide in the second-degree, two counts of Strict Liability Vehicular Homicide, and two counts of Assault by Auto, all in connection with the subject motor vehicle crash. On that same date, she surrendered herself to Manchester Township Police Headquarters in the presence of her attorney. She was transported to the Ocean County Jail and later released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform. Bowker was indicted on the foregoing charges on February 15, 2023, and all charges were presented to the jury for their consideration at trial.
“Reckless driving is not a mistake – it is a dangerous choice that costs lives. This jury’s verdict makes clear that we will hold drivers accountable when they put other lives at risk. Let this verdict serve as a cautionary tale: if you drive recklessly and take a life, you will face the consequences,” Prosecutor Billhimer state. “While nothing can bring their loved ones back, we hope today’s verdict provides some measure of justice and closure for the loved ones of Michael Sadis and Paul Lamberti,” Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.
Prosecutor Billhimer appreciates the diligence and dedication of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Stephen Burke who ably and skillfully tried 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, Manchester Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, for their combined and cooperative efforts in connection with this investigation resulting in these guilty verdicts.