10-Month-Old Baby Killed in Tragic Driveway Accident; Mother Faces Charges
A Lakehurst mother has been charged after a devastating accident that claimed the life of her 10-month-old son in Jackson Township on Saturday. Wendy Castillo-Torres, 30, faces charges of causing death while driving without a valid driver’s license after she accidentally struck her infant with a vehicle, according to Patch.com.
The incident occurred around 6:15 p.m. on Saturday when Jackson Township police responded to a residence on Grawtown Road following reports of a child being struck by a vehicle. The unresponsive infant was transported to Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood, where he was pronounced dead, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.
Trending Headlines You Might Have Missed:
- These Celebs Secretly Built Billion-Dollar Brands—Here’s How
- Kardashian Net Worth Showdown: Who’s #1 in 2025?
- These 25 Side Hustles Are So Easy, You Can Start Tonight
How the Tragedy Unfolded
Investigators revealed that Castillo-Torres had brought her baby to a friend’s garage where she was cleaning vehicles. The infant was placed in a bouncer seat positioned between two parked vehicles. After completing the cleaning, Castillo-Torres entered one of the vehicles to move it but mistakenly put the car in drive instead of reverse, according to NBC New York.
This critical error caused the vehicle to move forward, trapping the baby between the two cars. Castillo-Torres immediately shifted into reverse when she realized what had happened, and a companion called 911, but the injuries proved fatal for the infant.
Legal Consequences
During their investigation, authorities discovered that Castillo-Torres did not possess a valid driver’s license at the time of the incident. She has been served with a summons for causing death while driving without a valid driver’s license, pending future appearances in Ocean County Superior Court.
“Our investigation indicates that this is a tragic accident, our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated in a press release, acknowledging the devastating nature of the incident despite the legal charges filed.
Safety Concerns Highlighted
This heartbreaking incident underscores the critical importance of child safety around vehicles, particularly in driveways and other areas where cars are being moved. According to People.com, driveway accidents involving young children remain a significant safety concern, with infants and toddlers being particularly vulnerable due to their small size and limited mobility.
Safety experts recommend keeping children completely clear of areas where vehicles might be moved, regardless of how briefly, and always confirming the position of all children before entering a vehicle. Additionally, drivers should perform a complete walk-around of their vehicle before moving it, especially in residential settings.
Investigation Continues
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad, Jackson Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit are continuing their investigation into the incident. While authorities have characterized the event as a tragic accident, the legal process will move forward regarding the charges filed.
Local community members have expressed an outpouring of support for the family as they face this unimaginable loss. The tragedy has resonated throughout Ocean County, with many parents reflecting on the split-second decisions that can lead to life-altering consequences.
Trending Headlines You Might Have Missed:
