A woman who was allegedly high on drugs while behind the wheel has been indicted on charges related to a crash in January that killed a three-year-old and left others injured, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office said Friday.
Samantha E. Bonora, 31, of Howell was charged with first degree aggravated manslaughter, two counts of second degree aggravated assault and two counts of fourth degree assault by auto.
An attorney for Bonora did not immediately return a request for comment Friday.
On the afternoon of Jan. 13, 2024, Bonora was involved in a multi-car collision on Route 34 in Howell near the Colts Neck border, authorities said. The collision seriously injured two passengers in a Jeep Grand Cherokee, including a toddler, and killed a three-year-old passenger, investigators said.
Online fundraising posts identified the victim of the crash as Kylie Williams, the daughter of a kindergarten teacher and field hockey coach.
Bonora was driving a Dodge Ram pickup truck southbound when she crossed into northbound traffic and hit the Jeep head-on, officials said. Bonora’s truck came to a stop in the northbound lane and was rear-ended by another vehicle, according to investigators.
Authorities said an investigation revealed Bonora was under the influence of several narcotics at the time of the incident. She was arrested without incident and remains in the Monmouth County Correctional Institute.
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Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Matt on X
