Search for fugitive illegal migrant wanted for deadly new jersey hit and run continues

Search for Fugitive Illegal Migrant Wanted for Deadly New Jersey Hit and Run Continues

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1 min read
March 28, 2026

Federal authorities allege suspect unlawfully re-entered U.S. before deadly crash

Morristown, NJ – A man accused in a fatal hit-and-run that killed a 68-year-old pedestrian Friday morning had previously been deported from the United States and re-entered unlawfully, according to federal authorities cited in published reports. The suspect remains at large after fleeing the scene of the crash near Sussex Avenue.

The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office identified the victim as Justo Pilco-Tenesaca, who was struck around 7 a.m. and pinned beneath a work truck. Authorities allege the driver, identified as Wilson “Adrian” Morocho-Necta, 33, exited the vehicle and fled on foot immediately after the collision.

According to a report by the New York Post, citing federal immigration officials, Morocho-Necta had entered the United States illegally in 2019, was deported, and later re-entered the country unlawfully a second time, reportedly during the Biden immigration surge after being deported during the Trump presidency.

Federal immigration history emerges as search continues

The Department of Homeland Security is now involved in the search for Morocho-Necta, working alongside local authorities as the investigation continues. Officials have not released additional details about when or where the prior deportations occurred beyond what has been reported.

The vehicle involved in the crash was identified as belonging to MC Home Improvements & Construction. Authorities said the suspect was last seen wearing a white hoodie and jeans.


Key Points

  • 68-year-old pedestrian killed in Morristown hit-and-run Friday morning
  • Suspect fled on foot and remains at large as of Saturday
  • Federal officials, cited in reports, say suspect was deported twice and re-entered illegally

Ongoing investigation and public appeal

Local law enforcement is leading the criminal investigation into the fatal crash, while federal agencies assist in locating the suspect. Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information that could help locate Morocho-Necta.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the ICE tip line at 1-866-347-2423 or reach out to local law enforcement.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.

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