TOMS RIVER, NJ — Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced the arrest of 18-year-old Kailyn Gorga from Toms River, who faces charges of Vehicular Homicide and Assault by Auto. The charges stem from a tragic car accident on April 14 in Manchester Township.
During the early hours of April 14, around 2:50 AM, Manchester Township Police responded to a one-car accident on Lacey Road in Whiting. Gorga was driving a 2008 Mazda 3, which crashed into a median and overturned, injuring several occupants.
The car was carrying five passengers, including 19-year-old John Winkowski and 18-year-old Catalina Reinoso from Brick Township. Reinoso was airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for her injuries and passed away on April 19. Winkowski and other passengers also received treatment for their injuries at the same hospital.
A court-ordered blood test revealed that at the time of the crash, Gorga’s blood alcohol concentration was 0.099%, above New Jersey’s legal limit of 0.08%. The test also showed active THC presence, indicating marijuana use.
On May 31, Gorga surrendered at Manchester Township Police Headquarters and was charged. She is currently held at the Ocean County Jail awaiting a detention hearing.
