2015 News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2015

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State Police Investigates Fatal Pedestrian Crash in Southampton Township

Southampton Township, N.J. - The New Jersey State Police Fatal Accident Unit, Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Troop "C" Criminal Investigations Office, and troopers from Red Lion Station, are investigating a fatal crash involving a car that struck four pedestrians, killing one and critically injuring three.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the victims, all from Southampton, were walking with the flow of traffic in the center of the eastbound lane of Buddtown Road when they were struck by a BMW sedan driven by Thomas Xenakis, Jr., 37, of Southampton. The posted speed limit is 45 MPH, there are no sidewalks or shoulders, and there are no street lights.

Jairisa Galindo, 18, was pulling Jyonshiel Martinez, 2, and Kahariel Martinez, 6, in a wagon while John Giles, 8, was walking next to them. Mahya Martinez, 13, was with the group, but was not struck. She was walking off of the roadway to the right in the grass.

Jyonshiel Martinez was transported to Virtua Hospital in Mount Holly where he was later pronounced deceased. The remaining victims were flown to Cooper Hospital in Camden where they are listed in critical condition.

At this time, the details and circumstances of the crash are under investigation. Mr. Xenakis cooperated with investigators, and there are no indications that excessive speed, drugs, or alcohol were factors in the crash. No criminal charges are pending and no motor vehicle summonses have been issued.

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