By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Ocean County announced that on August 13, Brian Baldari, 47, of Brick Township, was charged with Aggravated Manslaughter, Vehicular Homicide, and Assault by Auto in connection with a motor vehicle crash that resulted in the death of Edwin Borja, 66, of Manchester, that occurred on March 7, in Lakewood.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer stated that on March 7, at approximately 5:50 a.m., Officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department responded to the area of Route 70 and Airport Road in reference to a motor vehicle crash involving multiple vehicles.
Responding Officers determined that the crash involved a total of eight vehicles, OCPO officials say.
Ocean County officials said that a subsequent investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad, Lakewood Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit revealed that a Cadillac CT5 Blackwing - operated by Baldari - was traveling westbound in the eastbound lane of Route 70.
The Cadillac collided head-on with a Mazda CX-5 being operated by Mr. Borja, and subsequently struck additional vehicles before coming to rest, according to Ocean County officials.
The Cadillac then caught fire with Baldari trapped inside, OCPO officials said.
Ocean County authorities say Baldari was ultimately extracted from the vehicle and airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center (JSUMC) in Neptune, and subsequently transported to Weill Cornell Medicine Burn Center in New York City, where he was treated and ultimately released.
Mr. Borja was likewise airlifted to JSUMC, and on March 18, 2025, Mr. Borja succumbed to the injuries he sustained in the crash, Ocean County officials stated.
Ocean County authorities said the driver of one of the other vehicles involved in the crash was taken to Ocean University Medical Center in Brick Township, where he was treated and subsequently released.
The drivers of the remaining vehicles involved in the crash were uninjured, OCPO officials say. 
“Continuing investigation has revealed that Baldari was traveling at a speed of approximately 103 miles per hour in the incorrect lane of travel for approximately two miles before he crashed into Mr. Borja’s vehicle," Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.
"As such, Baldari was charged accordingly as set forth above, and he surrendered himself to Lakewood Township Police Headquarters today. He was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.”