MAYS LANDING, N.J. — Edward Johnston, 25, will be sentenced Tuesday morning for the aggravated manslaughter of 8-year-old Javier “Javi” Velez, who was killed in a high-speed drunk driving crash in Atlantic County, officials confirmed.
The sentencing hearing is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. at the Atlantic County Criminal Courthouse in Mays Landing. A press conference led by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office will follow at 11:30 a.m. outside the courthouse, weather permitting.
Johnston pleaded guilty on February 27 to first-degree aggravated manslaughter and driving under the influence. Prosecutors said he had been drinking at several bars in Atlantic City before driving 107 mph on U.S. Route 30 (Absecon Boulevard), where he lost control and slammed into a parked vehicle. Javi Velez was asleep in the backseat of that car at the time of impact.
The child was in town from Philadelphia with his father and younger brother, who were fishing just steps away when the crash occurred. Johnston remained at the scene and admitted to drinking. His blood alcohol content registered at .122 several hours later, and marijuana was also found in his system and vehicle.
Fatal crash sparks legislative response
Despite a detention motion from prosecutors, Johnston was released pretrial by court order, prompting widespread public criticism. The case has since fueled legislative action to tighten pretrial detention rules for impaired drivers accused in fatal crashes.
Senator Vince Polistina (R-2) introduced Bill S-2295, which would create a presumption of pretrial detention in such cases and enforce mandatory driver’s license suspension and potential vehicle forfeiture upon conviction. The bill was unanimously advanced by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
“This legislation will protect New Jerseyans by ensuring individuals who commit such reckless and deadly acts are not free to pose further danger while awaiting trial,” Senator Polistina said.
Atlantic County Prosecutor William Reynolds praised the work of his office’s team and highlighted the case as a catalyst for needed change. “This heartbreaking case has exposed a critical blind spot in our justice system,” Reynolds said. “It should never take a tragedy to spark reform.”
The sentencing of Edward Johnston follows his guilty plea in a crash that killed 8-year-old Javi Velez and ignited calls for tougher pretrial detention laws in New Jersey.