By: Najla Alexander
Authorities announced that, based upon an investigation by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, in conjunction with the Clifton Police Department, Jose Morillo, a 58-year-old male from Garfield, has been charged in connection with the October 4, 2025, fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred on Route 21 in Clifton.
Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes stated that Jose Morillo is charged with Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident Resulting in Death, a crime of the second degree.
According to Passaic County officials, on October 4, 2025, at approximately 8:12 a.m., the Clifton Police Department was notified of an unresponsive female found on the side of Route 21 North near the Exit 9 entrance ramp onto Route 3 West.
There were broken pieces from a motor vehicle found scattered nearby, PCPO officials say.
The female, identified as Kamaya Young, a 20-year-old from Paterson, was subsequently pronounced deceased, PCPO officials said. During the course of the investigation, detectives determined the victim was struck by a Porsche Cayenne operated by Jose Morillo.
Jose Morillo was processed on these charges on February 2, 2026. He is currently awaiting his first appearance at Central Judicial Processing on these charges, Passaic County officials said.
According to Passaic County officials, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office will file a motion for pre-trial detention, which will be heard by a Superior Court Judge at a date and time to be determined by the Court. Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident Resulting in Death has a sentencing range between 5 and 10 years in state prison.
Criminal complaints are merely accusations, PCPO authorities say. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation remains active and ongoing. More information will be released when it becomes available.