A nine-month-old boy died after a car struck his mother and a stroller carrying him and his five-year-old sister in a Jackson Township, New Jersey, grocery-store parking lot.
Ocean County prosecutors say Maria CobonGuzman, 20, was driving the Ford Fusion and had never possessed a valid driver’s license. She was charged with manslaughter, a fatal-crash licensing offense and two counts of assault by auto.
Ariadna Lazaro-Flores, 22, was charged with knowingly creating a substantial risk of death. Investigators allege she allowed CobonGuzman to drive despite knowing she was unlicensed.
The mother and five-year-old were reported in stable condition. The charges are accusations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Facts first. Side-eye included.
DJF separates what is confirmed from what is claimed—and tells you why this particular mess is worth your time.