Charles Casiere, 84, and John Diaz, 74, both of Westfield, were served with additional charges earlier today in connection with thethat took the life of , 68, of Scotch Plains, in late January, announced Union County First Assistant Prosecutor Albert Cernadas, Jr.
Casiere, who stopped at the scene, was previously charged with driving while intoxicated, failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, and reckless driving. Today, he was charged with vehicular homicide and assault by auto.
Diaz was previously charged with driving while intoxicated, failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, failure to report an accident and reckless driving. Today, he was charged with second degree leaving the scene of an accident.
According to the investigation, around 6:05 p.m. on January 25, a car driven by Currie was passing through the intersection of North Avenue at Tuttle Parkway when it appears she grazed a pedestrian as he crossed the street, said Cernadas. Currie immediately stopped and offered assistance to the man, attempting to lead him across the street.
Witnesses reported that as the two walked across the road, a Chevy Cavalier, driven by Casiere struck the pair causing injuries and propelling them several yards down North Avenue.
Almost immediately after, a second vehicle, a GMC pickup, driven by Diaz struck Currie, who was now in the roadway, said Cernadas, causing further injury.
Currie was taken to a local hospital and pronounced dead a short time later. The male pedestrian was transported to University Hospital in Newark for treatment.
Union County Superior Court Judge Scott J. Moynihan set Casiere's bail at $50,000 with a condition of bail that he have interlock, a car breathalyzer, on any car he drives. Judge Moynihan set Diaz's bail at $25,000 with a condition of bail that he have interlock on any car he drives as well.
Both men surrendered to the earlier today and posted bail.
These criminal charges are mere accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Did any officials ever seek the hospital records of both Ms. Currie and the pedestrian to see the results of the blood tests that had to have been performed on each? If either of them had any substance in their system, it would have to be in those reports. This might help explain the original accident that set this tragedy in motion. There is no reason to excuse the offense of drinking and driving as has been done against the two accused. It is another thing to charge them criminally if there is culpability on the part of the victims? Some explanation should be made concerning how and why the first accident occurred. Certainly the blood tests of both victims will be discoverable during the preparation for trial. It will be interesting to find out why Ms. Currie struck Mr.Kervik and why the two of them tried to go to the far side of the street. John Blake
I have no doubt there is evidence that these men committed offenses but there is a big difference between that and proof " beyond a reasonable doubt". The cause of the original accident between Ms. Currie and Mr.Kervik has never been explained nor has the problem created by their attempt to reach the far side of North Ave. Also Mr. Diaz is not charged with Ms.Currie's death. What facts lead one to believe he was not a cause? Why is he charged with leaving the scene when he was still there when the police arrived? John Blake
While I usually enjoy and agree with your posts from your laptop @ 16 Prospect, I must say this one disappoints. Mr Kervick was excercising by taking a walk around Roosevelt Middle School and was crossing North Ave on his way back to his residence on the south side of town when he and Ms Currie had their unfortunate encounter. Ms Currie was being a good samaritan and aiding Mr Kervick in his journey back to his residence. Shame on you for implying anything else.
I have no doubt that Mr.Kervick was crossing North Ave when struck by Ms Currie. The question is "why did she strike Kervick". She cannot explain and he has not made any public statement and, in truth, may not remember. One of the things the investigators will do is to check the blood tests on all the parties. It will be interesting to learn the results. A desire to obtain facts is reasonable and no shame is attached to the search. I also thought Mr. Diaz stopped at the scene and was given permission to leave. His Identity was known to the police immediately. If he struck Ms.Currie, why was he charged with only "leaving the scene"? It was perfectly proper for Ms.Currie to help Mr.Kervick but the nagging question is why they did not seek the safety of the closest sidewalk. Mr.Kervick must have been hurt to need assistance. Why try to get to the far side of the street. These are all questions which must be answered in a trial, I see nothing "shameful" in asking them here.There had to be a reason for the original accident. It has never been explained.If Diaz stopped and was told he could leave, then why is he charged as he is? John Blake