Lakewood man admits to drunk driving joyride that killed one, injured another

TOMS RIVER, N.J. — A 23-year-old Lakewood man pleaded guilty Wednesday to vehicular homicide and assault by auto stemming from a July 2022 high-speed, alcohol-fueled crash that killed one woman and seriously injured another in Lakewood Township, prosecutors announced.

Mordechai Berkowitz entered his guilty plea before Superior Court Judge Dina M. Vicari. Prosecutors said they will seek a 10-year sentence in New Jersey State Prison under the No Early Release Act for the vehicular homicide charge, and four years for the assault by auto conviction — with both sentences to run concurrently. Sentencing is scheduled for July 18.

Key Points

Mordechai Berkowitz pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide and assault by auto
Crash killed Juana Lopez-Hernandez, 44, and injured Maria Flores-Moreno, 35
Berkowitz had a BAC of .157% and was driving over 90 mph in a 35 mph zone

Fatal crash caused by speeding, intoxicated driver crossing center line

The crash occurred on July 22, 2022, at approximately 8:20 p.m. on South Lake Drive in Lakewood Township. Investigators determined that Berkowitz was driving a 2018 Chevrolet Impala eastbound when he crossed over the double yellow line and struck a 2017 Toyota RAV4 head-on.

The Toyota was operated by 35-year-old Maria Flores-Moreno of Jackson, with 44-year-old Juana Lopez-Hernandez of Mexico in the front passenger seat. Both women suffered critical injuries. Lopez-Hernandez was pronounced dead at Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood. Flores-Moreno was treated at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune and later transferred to a rehabilitation facility. She is currently recovering at home.

Berkowitz also sustained injuries in the crash and was hospitalized. Blood tests revealed a blood alcohol concentration of .157%, nearly twice the legal limit of .08% in New Jersey. Investigators further found that Berkowitz was driving at speeds exceeding 90 miles per hour in a posted 35 mph zone.

Prosecutor: Driver was intoxicated and reckless at time of crash

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit–Vehicular Homicide Squad, in collaboration with the Lakewood Township Police Department, led the investigation. Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer confirmed that the crash was the result of Berkowitz’s excessive speed and intoxication.

On July 27, 2022, Berkowitz surrendered to the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office accompanied by his attorney. He was charged and later released under the guidelines of New Jersey Bail Reform. Despite his release, he has remained under judicial supervision pending resolution of the charges.

Berkowitz’s guilty plea paves the way for sentencing this summer, with prosecutors seeking a decade-long term in state prison under strict sentencing provisions.

Victim’s family awaits justice as sentencing nears

Lopez-Hernandez, a Mexican national, was visiting the United States at the time of the crash. Her death prompted an outpouring of support from both the Jackson and Lakewood communities. Flores-Moreno continues to recover from her injuries nearly three years later.

The sentencing hearing on July 18 will bring closure to the legal process following a crash that prosecutors say was entirely preventable. The court will determine whether Berkowitz will serve the full term recommended by the state.

A drunk driver’s 90-mph joyride left one woman dead, another injured — now he faces a decade behind bars.

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