Newark – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing to investigate a motor vehicle crash that has claimed the lives of two New Jersey residents, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin.
Austin said the incident occurred at approximately 4:53 p.m., Saturday, December 22, 2017, on Delaware Park Boulevard, west of Ogletown-Stanton Road (DE Rt. 4), Newark.
A 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis, operated by a 77-year-old Mantua, N.J. man was traveling on Delaware Park Boulevard, west of Ogletown-Stanton Road, as he was exiting the Delaware Park Casino property. Also occupying the Mercury, as a front seat passenger, was a 92-year-old woman, also of Mantua.
A 2015 Nissan Altima, operated by Stephen R. Goodman, 33, of Wilmington, was entering the Delaware Park Casino property, on Delaware Park Boulevard, west of Ogletown-Stanton Road, at a high rate of speed, according to Austin. The Nissan was passing several vehicles on Delaware Park Boulevard after crossing the double yellow center line, and traveled directly into the path of the Mercury, at which time the vehicles collided head on, said Austin.
The operator of the Mercury was pronounced dead at the scene by responding EMS. The front seat passenger in the Mercury was transported to the Christiana Hospital, where she was pronounced dead a short time later. Goodman was transported to the Christiana Hospital where he was admitted with serious injuries.
The investigation revealed that Goodman was wanted by the Wilmington Police Department, for stealing the Nissan during the course of a carjacking, which occurred earlier this in the day, according to Austin.
As a result of the initial crash investigation warrants were obtained charging Goodman with 2 counts of Vehicular Homicide 2nd Degree, and one count each of Receiving Stolen Property, Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road, Driving at an Unreasonable Speed, and Driving While Suspended. The execution of these warrants along with the pre-existing Carjacking 2nd warrant will be accomplished when Goodman’s medical condition allows.
Identification of both victims is pending the notification of next of kin.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Sgt. D. Alexander of the Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit at 302-365-8484.