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An undocumented immigrant has been indicted on multiple charges related to a fatal crash in Lakewood.
The crash, which occurred on July 26, resulted in the deaths of 42-year-old Maria Pleitez and her 11-year-old daughter. A second 11-year-old child survived with injuries.
Raul Luna-Perez, 43, is charged with aggravated manslaughter and vehicular homicide. Authorities allege he was driving a Dodge Durango eastbound on Cross Street around 11:20 p.m. when he collided head-on with Pleitez's Nissan Sentra while driving recklessly and under the influence. His blood alcohol concentration was reportedly at least 0.19, nearly three times the legal limit.
Witnesses reported that Luna-Perez exhibited signs of impairment. He initially faced charges of vehicular homicide before being upgraded following blood test results that revealed the severity of his impairment.
Following the crash, Luna-Perez was placed in strict home detention but was later taken into federal custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He remains in Ocean County Jail after being returned to local custody post-indictment.
The indictment includes charges of two counts of aggravated manslaughter, two counts of reckless vehicular homicide, and other offenses, according to the Prosecutor's Office.
The investigation was conducted by the Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad, Lakewood Township Police, and the Ocean County Sheriff's Office.
For further details, contact reporter Erik Larsen at elarsen@gannettnj.com.