Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that a Grand Jury has indicted 41-year-old Tremel Haskins of South Toms River on charges including Vehicular Homicide, Certain Person Not to Possess a Weapon, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon. The indictment stems from the death of 57-year-old Marie Bellavista, also of South Toms River, which occurred on June 7, 2025.

According to authorities, at approximately 3:50 a.m. on June 7, South Toms River Police responded to Colgate Drive after receiving a report that an individual had been struck by a vehicle. Officers found Ms. Bellavista deceased in the roadway. Investigators determined that Haskins was operating the cab of a Volvo semi-truck when he struck the victim and then left the scene.

Haskins was located a short time later in the parking lot of Walmart on Route 37 in Toms River and was taken into custody without incident. He was initially charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Careless Driving, Operating a Vehicle Without Insurance, and Operating an Unregistered Vehicle. A court-authorized blood draw conducted at Community Medical Center revealed Haskins had an active THC level of 14 nanograms and a metabolite level of 100 nanograms, indicating recent marijuana use and impairment at the time of the crash.

On June 9, 2025, detectives executed a search warrant on the semi-truck and recovered a loaded .38 caliber Colt revolver. Further investigation revealed Haskins had two previous narcotics distribution convictions, making him legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. He was charged on June 17, 2025, with Certain Person Not to Possess a Weapon and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon. Haskins surrendered to authorities that day and was released under New Jersey’s Bail Reform guidelines.

A warrant for Haskins’ arrest was later issued on July 31, 2025, after further developments. He was taken into custody on August 11, 2025, by the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office and has been held at the Ocean County Jail since.