A former police officer from New Jersey has been found guilty of two counts of second-degree vehicular homicide following a tragic car crash in 2021 that resulted in the deaths of a married couple. John P. McClave III, aged 38, from Toms River, was convicted by a jury after a week-long trial at Ocean County Superior Court.
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The fatal incident occurred on 9 October 2021, when McClave was en route to work. Reports indicate that he lost control of his vehicle on Asbury Avenue near the overpass of the Garden State Parkway. The collision resulted in the immediate deaths of Angel L. Acevedo Jr., 40, and his wife, 35-year-old Daniela Correia Salles, who were pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the prosecution, McClave was operating his vehicle recklessly at the time of the incident. Witness accounts and evidence suggested that he did not slow down or alter his direction as he veered off the lanes of the Garden State Parkway. This led to his car becoming airborne after hitting an embankment before colliding with the victims’ vehicle.
Following the crash, McClave was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he received treatment for injuries that were deemed non-life-threatening. However, the investigation into the crash revealed that he was under the influence of THC, a psychoactive component found in cannabis, at the time of the accident. A blood sample taken from him tested positive for THC, while his blood alcohol content was determined to be below the legal limit.
Prosecutors commented on the severity of the charges against McClave, noting that he displayed a blatant disregard for public safety, resulting in a devastating loss for the victims’ family. The case has raised broader concerns about the implications of driving under the influence of drugs, particularly with the increasing acceptance of marijuana use.
McClave’s conviction carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison. Under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act (NERA), he is required to serve 85% of his sentence before even being eligible for parole. The sentencing hearing for McClave is currently scheduled for 8 May 2026, where the court will determine the length of his incarceration.
The case has garnered significant media attention and public interest, particularly as it highlights the grave consequences of impaired driving. Advocates for road safety have expressed hopes that the outcome of the trial will serve as a cautionary tale for others who might consider getting behind the wheel while under the influence.
As the legal proceedings move towards sentencing, the families of Acevedo and Correia Salles continue to mourn their loss. The couple’s tragic passing is a stark reminder of the profound impact that reckless driving can have on innocent lives.