Man charged after deadly crash kills 76-year-old driver and seriously injures his wife in Gloucester Township
GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — A 23-year-old man from Sicklerville is facing criminal charges after police say he caused a fatal crash that killed a 76-year-old man and seriously injured his wife at a Gloucester Township intersection last month.
Marcus A. Young was charged with second-degree death by auto and third-degree assault by auto following an investigation into the October 11 crash on Berlin Cross Keys Road. The collision claimed the life of Louis Bontya and left his 75-year-old wife, Christina Bontya, with serious injuries, authorities announced.
The crash occurred around 10:13 p.m. when Young’s sedan collided with an SUV at the intersection of Berlin Cross Keys Road and Johnson Road. Investigators said Young was heading toward the Black Horse Pike when the vehicles collided in the intersection.
Both cars suffered major damage, trapping all three individuals inside. First responders from multiple agencies rushed to the scene and used specialized equipment to free the victims. Emergency crews provided medical aid on-site before transporting all three to area hospitals.
Louis Bontya, the driver of the SUV, later died from his injuries. His wife, who was the passenger, survived but remains hospitalized with significant injuries.
Due to the severity of the crash and resulting investigation, the intersection was shut down for hours overnight as police reconstructed the scene. The Gloucester Township Police Serious Crash Investigation Team worked with the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office to bring charges after reviewing evidence.
Young is currently facing prosecution for his role in the crash. Police have not yet disclosed whether speed, impairment, or distracted driving played a role in the incident.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information is asked to contact Gloucester Township Police.
——
Key Points
- Marcus A. Young, 23, was charged after a crash that killed Louis Bontya, 76, and injured his 75-year-old wife
- The October 11 crash occurred at the Berlin Cross Keys Road and Johnson Road intersection in Gloucester Township
- Investigators say Young’s sedan collided with the victims’ SUV, leading to serious injuries and a fatality