Saturday, March 29, 2025
A tragic accident in New Jersey has led to charges against a mother who unintentionally killed her 10-month-old son while moving a car. Authorities say the woman, Wendy Castillo-Torres, was driving without a valid license at the time of the incident.
The heartbreaking event occurred on Saturday evening in Jackson Township, where police responded to a distress call around 6:15 PM on Grawtown Road. According to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Castillo-Torres had taken her infant to a friend’s garage, where she helped clean vehicles.
Investigators revealed that the baby was placed in a bouncer seat between two parked cars. After cleaning one of the vehicles, Castillo-Torres entered the car intending to reverse it. However, she mistakenly shifted the vehicle into drive, causing it to lurch forward and trap the child between the two cars.
Upon realizing what had happened, she quickly reversed the car. A companion immediately called 911, but it was already too late. Emergency responders arrived to find the infant unresponsive and severely injured. The child was rushed to Monmouth Medical Centre Southern Campus in Lakewood, where he was declared dead.
Multiple agencies, including the Jackson Township Police Department, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Major Crime Vehicular Homicide Squad, launched an in-depth investigation into the incident.
Authorities confirmed that Castillo-Torres did not hold a valid driver’s license, a detail that may weigh heavily in the legal proceedings. She has received a summons and is awaiting her next court appearance at the Ocean County Superior Court.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer commented on the tragedy, saying, “Our investigation indicates that this was a tragic accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this unimaginable time.”
This is not the first time the U.S. has witnessed such a shocking case. In February 2024, a Missouri mother accidentally placed her infant daughter in an oven instead of a crib for a nap. The baby was found severely burned and was declared dead at the scene by Kansas City police. That case, too, raised concerns over parenting awareness and accidental harm.
These deeply upsetting incidents highlight the critical importance of driver responsibility and child safety awareness. As investigations continue, the community remains shaken by a tragedy that could have been prevented with a single cautious step.
