By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Middlesex County announced that four individuals have been charged in connection with a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred on June 29 on the Garden State Parkway.
Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone stated that on June 29, at approximately 7:04 p.m., the New Jersey State Police responded to mile marker 130, southbound of the Garden State Parkway, for a serious crash.
Upon their arrival, authorities located Albion Hysenaj, 20, of Staten Island, and a 21-year-old Staten Island resident, who was ejected from the vehicle, MCPO officials say.
According to Middlesex County officials, Hysenaj and the 21-year-old were transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital for treatment. Hysenaj was later pronounced deceased, and the 21-year-old suffered serious injuries.
MCPO officials said that an investigation led by the New Jersey State Police Troop “D” Holmdel Station Criminal Investigation Office and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Fatal Crash Investigations Unit determined that two vehicles were racing on the Garden State Parkway when the accident occurred.
Alvi Limani, 20, of Staten Island, was operating a BMW X3 recklessly and racing on the Garden State Parkway southbound when it struck two other vehicles and ultimately rolled over multiple times, Middlesex County authorities say.
The rollover caused two of the BMW’s occupants, Hysenaj and the 20-year-old, to be ejected, MCPO officials said. Also inside the vehicle was Emily Harrington, 19, of Staten Island, who was not ejected.
After the accident, Middlesex County officials stated that Harrington and Limani fled the scene on foot. The other vehicle involved in the racing incident was a BMW M5 operated by Jeter Ogando, 23, of Perth Amboy.
Through various investigative means, detectives determined that Limani fled to Miami in an attempt to leave the country with his mother, Vilma Vneshta, 42, of Staten Island. According to MCPO officials, on July 17, Alvi and Vilma were apprehended by authorities near Miami, FL, where they will be held pending extradition to New Jersey.
Middlesex County officials said Limani was charged with first-degree Aggravated Manslaughter, second-degree Vehicular Homicide, second-degree Knowingly Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Death, third-degree Causing Death while Driving with a Suspended License, two counts of third-degree Endangering an Injured Victim, two counts of third-degree Endangering, third-degree Tampering with Public Records, third-degree Hindering, third degree Knowingly Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, fourth-degree Assault by Auto, and fourth-degree Causing Serious Injury While Driving with a Suspended License.
Harrington was charged with third-degree hindering, fourth-degree Obstruction, and fourth-degree Conspiracy to Endanger Another, MCPO officials say.
Vneshta was charged with third-degree Hindering.
Middlesex County authorities said Ogando was charged with second-degree Vehicular Homicide, third-degree Endangering Another, and fourth-degree Assault by Auto.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.