Lede: A Westminster man, Christopher Neff, faces multiple charges following a wrong-way crash on the New Jersey Turnpike on October 22, 2023, that killed four teenagers.
According to authorities, Neff, 41, had a blood-alcohol content of 0.22%, nearly three times the legal limit, when he crashed head-on into a Mazda CX-5 carrying four individuals at approximately 12:40 a.m. Witnesses reported a strong smell of alcohol on Neff's breath.
Neff was observed consuming alcoholic beverages at the Turnpike Inn before leaving at around 12:30 a.m. He exited to a truck stop across the street before entering the Turnpike, driving north in the southbound lanes. The impact occurred shortly after, resulting in the deaths of 19-year-old Yaakov Kilberg and three 18-year-olds: Aharon Lebovits, Chaim Grossman, and Shlomo Cohen.
Emergency responders transported Neff to the hospital with serious injuries. Investigators recovered multiple firearms, high-capacity magazines, and illegal drugs from his vehicle, leading to charges of aggravated manslaughter, vehicular homicide, and various weapons offenses.
Neff has a history of criminal convictions in Ohio for drunken driving and drug offenses. As of Thursday, he has not been charged with driving under the influence, though further charges are possible as the investigation continues. No court date has been scheduled.