By: Richard L. Smith
A 33-year-old man from East Rutherford has been charged in connection with a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred in Roxbury Township, Morris County authorities announced.
According to information released by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Alexander Serrano was behind the wheel of a 2003 Chevy Express van when it crashed into a tree near the intersection of Howard Boulevard and Ledgewood Road/Mt. Arlington Road around 5:30 a.m. on April 28, 2025.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find the van heavily damaged and the front passenger, identified as 30-year-old Esmeralda Melchar of East Rutherford, pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators say Serrano showed signs of impairment and was transported to Morristown Medical Center for treatment.
He was later taken to the Morris County Correctional Facility.
Serrano has been charged with one count of second-degree vehicular homicide. Under New Jersey’s Criminal Justice Reform Act, he was released from custody under non-monetary bail conditions, which include Level III Pretrial Monitoring, the surrender of his driver’s license and passport, and restrictions on alcohol use.
Serrano is scheduled to appear in court for a Pre-Indictment Conference on June 9. 
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash remains active.