Young driver charged after fatal new jersey crash kills elderly man
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Young driver charged after fatal New Jersey crash kills elderly man

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.

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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
Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News