A tragic crash in New Jersey has resulted in a jury convicting a former police officer of vehicular homicide after his pickup truck went airborne and crashed into another vehicle, killing a married couple.
The incident, which occurred in 2021, shocked the community and led to a lengthy investigation and trial. Prosecutors argued that the officer was driving recklessly and under the influence when the deadly crash happened.
Case Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Defendant | John McClave III |
| Age | 38 |
| Victims | Angel Acevedo Jr. and Daniela Salles |
| Location | Garden State Parkway near Asbury Avenue, New Jersey |
| Charges | Two counts of second-degree vehicular homicide |
| Crash Date | October 9, 2021 |
| Verdict | Guilty by jury |
| Possible Sentence | Up to 20 years in prison |
Crash That Claimed Two Lives
The fatal incident occurred on the evening of October 9, 2021. At around 7 p.m., John McClave III, who was a police officer with the Hillside Police Department at the time, was driving his 2018 GMC Canyon pickup truck toward work.
He was traveling on the Garden State Parkway when the crash happened.
Below the elevated roadway on Asbury Avenue, Angel Acevedo Jr., 40, and his wife Daniela Salles, 35, were driving in their 2020 Toyota Corolla.
According to investigators, McClave’s truck suddenly left the elevated roadway.
Authorities say the vehicle struck an embankment, which caused the pickup truck to become airborne before crashing onto the roadway below.
The truck landed directly on the couple’s car.
Investigation Into the Crash
Investigators later determined that McClave had been driving recklessly and was under the influence of intoxicating substances at the time of the crash.
According to the official findings:
- The pickup truck did not slow down significantly before leaving the roadway.
- The vehicle did not change direction before hitting the embankment.
- The impact caused the truck to launch into the air.
After becoming airborne, the truck landed on the vehicle driven by Acevedo.
Emergency responders arrived shortly after the crash.
Victims Pronounced Dead at the Scene
Members of the Tinton Falls Police Department and the Wayside Fire Company responded to the accident scene around 7:30 p.m.
When officers arrived, they found that both victims had suffered severe injuries.
Angel Acevedo Jr. and Daniela Salles were pronounced dead at the scene.
Meanwhile, McClave was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Criminal Charges and Trial
Following the investigation, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office charged McClave with two counts of second-degree vehicular homicide.
Due to a potential conflict of interest involving local law enforcement, the trial was moved to Ocean County Superior Court.
The trial lasted about a week before a jury found McClave guilty on both charges.
Police Career Ends After the Crash
After the fatal crash, the Tinton Falls Police Department immediately suspended McClave without pay.
While awaiting trial, he later resigned from his position with the Hillside Police Department.
According to official records, his resignation became effective on August 8, 2023.
Possible Prison Sentence
Under New Jersey law, McClave now faces significant prison time.
Prosecutors stated that he could receive a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in state prison.
Because of New Jersey’s No Early Release Act, he would be required to serve at least 85 percent of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole.
His sentencing hearing has been scheduled for May 8.
Remembering the Victims
Family and friends have remembered Angel Acevedo Jr. and Daniela Salles as a loving couple who enjoyed spending time with family and exploring nature.
According to their obituary, they found happiness in simple moments such as hiking local trails and hosting gatherings with loved ones.
Those who knew them described the couple as kind, positive, and full of life.
Their sudden deaths left a deep impact on their family and community.
