The New Jersey State Police have arrested Marcelo Rizzo, 37, of Elizabeth, N.J., for vehicular homicide as the result of a fatal crash that killed a passenger in his car and seriously injured another.
According to authorities, on November 25th, Marcelo Rizzo was driving a Ford Focus on I-295 north in Mount Laurel, when he struck a vehicle, went off the right side of the road, and struck several trees.
Officials say Marcelo Rizzo and Juliana Rizzo, 8, of Union, N.J., sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to Cooper Medical Center. Madelynn Rizzo, 9, of Union, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Detectives determined that Marcelo Rizzo was driving under the influence and operating his vehicle erratically when he struck a vehicle in the center lane and went off the road.
Authorities charged Marcelo Rizzo with vehicular homicide, assault by auto, endangering the welfare of a child, and DWI. He was lodged at Burlington County Jail pending a detention hearing
Charges are mere accusations and the accused is considered innocent until proven guilty.