25 year old Edward Johnston pled guilty to Aggravated Manslaughter for causing the death of 8-year-old Javier Velez in Absecon on July 23, 2023. The investigation revealed that the defendant was intoxicated and traveling at approximately 107 MPH westbound on the White Horse Pike. His vehicle left the lane of travel and collided with the rear of a parked vehicle, where the victim was sleeping while the victim’s father and brother fished
just outside the vehicle. Johnston will be sentenced on May 13, 2025, The plea
agreement calls for the defendant to serve 15 years in New Jersey State Prison, subject to the
No Early Release Act, meaning Johnston must serve 85% before becoming eligible for parole.