JACKSON TOWNSHIP, N.J. – Two women charged in connection with a fatal Jackson Township motor vehicle crash will remain in the Ocean County Jail pending trial, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced Tuesday.
Superior Court Judge Kimarie Rahill ordered Maria CobonGuzman, 20, of Trenton, detained on charges of manslaughter, driving without ever having possessed or been issued a valid driver’s license while involved in a fatal crash, and two counts of assault by auto.
Ariadna Lazaro-Flores, 22, of Toms River, was also ordered detained in connection with the same Aug. 28 crash. She is charged with knowingly engaging in conduct creating a substantial risk of death to another, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.
Key Points
- Maria CobonGuzman, 20, and Ariadna Lazaro-Flores, 22, were ordered detained pending trial.
- CobonGuzman faces manslaughter, a fatal-crash licensing charge and two counts of assault by auto.
- The charges stem from an Aug. 28 fatal motor vehicle crash in Jackson Township.
Judge Orders Both Defendants Detained Pending Trial
Rahill issued the detention orders Tuesday, keeping both defendants in the Ocean County Jail while their criminal cases proceed.
CobonGuzman faces the more extensive list of charges, including manslaughter and two counts of assault by auto. Prosecutors also accuse her of operating a motor vehicle without ever having possessed or been issued a valid driver’s license while involved in a fatal motor vehicle crash.
Lazaro-Flores is charged with knowingly engaging in conduct creating a substantial risk of death to another in connection with the same incident.
The detention hearings were handled by Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Heisler, according to Billhimer’s office.
Charges Stem From Aug. 28 Jackson Township Crash
The prosecutor’s latest announcement focused on Tuesday’s detention hearings and did not provide additional details about the circumstances of the Aug. 28 crash, including the identity of the person who died.
It also did not detail the alleged conduct underlying the charges against each defendant. Both women will remain jailed pending further proceedings in the case.
“The charges referenced above are merely accusations,” the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office said, reminding the public that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Who was ordered detained in the Jackson Township fatal crash case?
Maria CobonGuzman, 20, of Trenton, and Ariadna Lazaro-Flores, 22, of Toms River, were ordered held in the Ocean County Jail pending trial.
What charges does Maria CobonGuzman face?
Prosecutors charged CobonGuzman with manslaughter, two counts of assault by auto and operating a vehicle without ever having possessed or been issued a valid driver’s license while involved in a fatal crash.
What is Ariadna Lazaro-Flores charged with?
Lazaro-Flores is charged with knowingly engaging in conduct creating a substantial risk of death to another in connection with the Aug. 28 crash.
Sources: Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer press release, Sept. 1, 2026; detention orders described by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.
