TOMS RIVER, NJ – Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Michelle Roselli, 36, of Spotsylvania County, Virginia, was sentenced on August 24 by the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P., to six years in New Jersey State Prison (NJSP) for Vehicular Homicide related to a motor vehicle crash on January 26, 2020. The crash resulted in the death of Tri Nguyen, 66, of Berkeley Township, and serious bodily injury to Thuy Duong, 51, also of Berkeley Township.
The sentencing follows Roselli’s guilty pleas to Vehicular Homicide, Assault by Auto, and Driving Under the Influence. She was sentenced to five years NJSP for Assault by Auto, with sentences running concurrently. Additionally, she was sentenced to time served for Driving Under the Influence and received a one-year suspension of her driving privileges. Roselli will be required to serve at least 85 percent of her prison sentence before parole eligibility under the No Early Release Act.
The crash occurred at mile marker 64 southbound on the Garden State Parkway when Roselli’s Honda Civic failed to maintain its lane, striking a Toyota Scion operated by Kathy Nguyen, 32, of Bayville. The collision caused the Scion to veer off the road, resulting in injuries to all passengers. Mr. Nguyen later succumbed to his injuries.
Roselli was found to be intoxicated at the scene with 8.6 nanograms of Fentanyl in her system, rendering her unfit to safely operate a vehicle. Charged with Driving Under the Influence, Vehicular Homicide, and Assault by Auto, she surrendered to the New Jersey State Police and was lodged in the Ocean County Jail.