Abel Mathukutty Charged with Vehicular Homicide in Fatal Toms River

Abel Mathukutty, 18, has been charged with Vehicular Homicide and Assault by Auto following a tragic crash in Toms River on May 24. Initially, he faced charges for Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Crash Causing Death and Serious Bodily Injury. Investigators determined that Mathukutty was driving at 76 mph, significantly over the 50 mph speed limit, when his vehicle collided with a white Mercedes, causing it to crash into a utility pole. Deborah Barone, 59, died from her injuries, while her passenger, Michael Barone, was hospitalized and later released. Officers apprehended Mathukutty after stopping a vehicle that matched the crash suspect's description, which had significant passenger-side damage.

He was taken into custody and later released due to New Jersey Bail Reform laws. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office continues to investigate the incident. Mathukutty awaits his court appearances in Ocean County Superior Court.