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Kaitlyn Hayes of Pleasantville pleaded guilty on Friday to first-degree aggravated manslaughter in connection with the two-car crash that killed a Galloway Township woman, according to Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner.
The motor vehicle crash involving occurred on Dec.19, 2018, at 11:38 p.m. on Pitney Road at Connecticut Avenue in Absecon.
Hayes was traveling southbound on Pitney Road when her car crossed over the center line and struck a northbound vehicle head-on operated by Suzana Kocick, 36, of Galloway, Tyner said.
Kocick was pronounced dead at the scene.
Hayes was taken to an area hospital for treatment.
An investigation determined that Hayes’ 2017 Ford Expedition vehicle was traveling at a speed of 106 mph in the two seconds prior to the crash, and 104 mph at impact, the prosecutor said.
She was in a school zone at the time of the crash.
Toxicology tests revealed Hayes’ blood was positive for marijuana.
This crash is a cooperative investigation by the Absecon Police Department and the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Crash Investigations Unit.
Hayes' sentencing is scheduled for July 2 before Judge Sarah Beth Johnson.
Assistant Prosecutor Kathleen Robinson is handling the case.
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