Beachwood Man Gets 5-Year Prison Sentence for Fatal Drunk Driving Crash in Plumsted, NJ
Speeding Drunk Driver Gets 5-Year Prison Sentence for Fatal NJ Crash
Beachwood man sentenced to five years in state prison for causing a tragic Plumsted, New Jersey, crash while drunk, drugs, and speeding.
A community mourned 59-year-old Browns Mills resident Judi Smith, who died in the May 2023 disaster.
Court Sentences DUI Driver After Fatal Crash
Friday, 43-year-old John Zinkoski learnt his fate in court. Before being eligible for parole, prosecutors said he must complete 85% of his sentence, or four years and three months. After prison, his driver’s license will be suspended for seven months.
Zinkoski admitted to vehicular murder and DUI in the incident that killed Smith.
The Tragic Collision’s Development
Pinehurst Road and Long Swamp Road in Plumsted were the site of the fatal collision on May 12, 2023, at 5:50 p.m. Zinkoski’s southbound pickup truck hit Smith as she turned right onto Pinehurst Road, authorities said.
Smith died in a local hospital after being seriously injured. Zinkoski was treated and released at a different hospital.
Toxicity Report Shows Alcohol and Drugs
The crash investigators found Zinkoski going 86 mph, significantly above the speed limit. Blood testing showed his blood alcohol content was above 0.08, although it was not publicized.
He had cocaine and benzodiazepines, tests showed. When used with alcohol, Valium and Xanax slow coordination and reaction time.
Arrest and Charges
Zinkoski was charged with vehicular homicide and strict liability on August 8, 2023. When charged, he was visiting family out of state. After learning of the charges, Zinkoski went to New Jersey, hired a lawyer, and surrendered at the Ocean County courtroom, according to his attorney.
Community Response
Smith’s Browns Mills family, friends, and neighbors have found closure in the sentencing, but it has also revived discussions about drunk and reckless driving in New Jersey. Advocates believe this example shows how DUI can kill several people in seconds.
Authorities warn drivers to never drive drunk or high and to follow speed limits to avert tragedies like these.
Sources:
Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office
New Jersey State Police Reports
Court sentencing records
