GOSHEN – A Walden man has been indicted on three counts of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide in connection with a crash in the eastbound lanes of Route 17 in the Town of Wallkill.
The incident occurred on August 4, 2021 between exits 118 and 119.
Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler said it is alleged that Anthony Jones, 24, who was driving alone in a Ford Escape, became angry at the driver of a 2004 Ford Sienna minivan carrying eight people and that he caused his vehicle to collide with the van.
The crash resulted in the deaths of three occupants of the van, including the driver, and serious injuries to four occupants of the van. Another passenger was injured less seriously. Jones was treated for complaints of pain.
All three individuals killed were Middletown residents – Maria Abrigo Morocho, 36; Jorge Eduardo Paqui Gualan, 30; and 48-year-old Nelson Ivan Viver Campoverde.
Jones was also indicted on eight assault charges.
He was arrested by State Police on September 12, 2022 and remanded to the Orange County Jail in lieu of $25,000 cash, $50,000 partially secured bond, or $100,000 bond.
“An automobile easily transforms into a deadly weapon when it is used recklessly,” said Hoovler. “Deaths and serious injuries caused by ‘road rage’ incidents are as tragic as they are preventable, and justice demands that those who engage in reckless behavior face consequences for their actions.”
