LAKEWOOD, NJ – Raul Luna-Perez, 43, pleaded guilty before Superior Court Judge Guy P. Ryan to two counts of aggravated manslaughter and one count of assault by auto for a crash that killed Maria Pleitez and her 11-year-old daughter, Dayanara Cortes.
The guilty plea stems from a fatal collision that occurred at approximately 11:20 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, along Cross Street near Hearthstone Drive in Lakewood, according to prosecutors. Authorities said Luna-Perez, an undocumented immigrant from Red Bank, admitted he was under the influence of alcohol and cocaine when he caused the crash.
Crash occurred while passing multiple vehicles
According to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Luna-Perez was driving a Dodge Durango eastbound at approximately 60 mph when he passed four vehicles and crossed the double yellow centerline into oncoming traffic.
His SUV struck the victims’ Nissan Sentra head-on. Maria Pleitez was pronounced dead at the scene, while Dayanara Cortes was transported to a local hospital, where she died from her injuries a short time later.
The assault by auto conviction relates to injuries sustained by another victim during the crash.
Prosecutors seek 20-year prison sentence
As part of the negotiated plea agreement entered Monday, prosecutors will recommend that Luna-Perez receive two consecutive 10-year prison terms for the aggravated manslaughter convictions. They are also seeking an 18-month sentence on the assault by auto charge to run concurrently.
Under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act, Luna-Perez must serve 85% of his aggravated manslaughter sentence before becoming eligible for parole. If the court accepts the recommendation, he will be required to serve approximately 17 years before parole eligibility.
Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 28 before Judge Ryan.
The case highlights the severe criminal penalties tied to impaired driving fatalities in New Jersey and the long-term consequences of aggravated manslaughter convictions under the No Early Release Act. The guilty plea also spares the victims’ family from a lengthy trial while bringing the case closer to its conclusion.
