Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on November 19, 2020, Douglas Thompson, 56, of Jackson, pled guilty to Death by Auto, before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, J.S.C. At the time of his sentencing on January 11, 2021, the State will be recommending a term of five years New Jersey State Prison, subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act, N.J.S.A. 2C:43-7.2. Additionally, Thompson will plead guilty – at the time of his sentencing – to Driving While Intoxicated.

On October 15, 2019, Toms River Township Police were dispatched to the intersection of Route 9 and Stevens Road for a report of a motor vehicle accident. Thomas Marciano, 65, of Toms River, was stopped behind a motor vehicle making a left-hand turn when he was struck from behind by a vehicle operated by Thompson. Mr. Marciano was transported to Community Medical Center and was subsequently flown to Jersey Shore Medical Center due to the gravity of his injuries. Mr. Marciano ultimately succumbed to those injuries on October 28, 2019.

Thompson submitted to chemical breath testing on the date of the crash, which revealed his Blood Alcohol Concentration to be .17 percent – more than double the legal limit under New Jersey law for purposes of alcohol consumption.