Deadly NJ Hit-Run Was Homicide; Suspect, Victim Knew Each Other: Prosecutor

A Vineland woman is facing homicide charges after fatally striking a 21-year-old woman who authorities say she knew before leaving the scene last month in Millville.

Breanna Rowley and the car she was believed to have been driving at the time of the deadly crash.
Photo Credit: *Cumberland County Prosecutor*

Cecilia Levine

11/08/2024 6:00 a.m.

Caroline Bump was standing on Glenside Road when she was allegedly hit by a speeding, silver 2003 Infiniti, driven by 22-year-old Breanna Rowley on the night of Oct. 22, 21-year-old, Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae said.

Prosecutors say the two women knew each other and had been together earlier in the evening, and Bump's obituary on the Freitag Funeral Home website says she was a victim of domestic violence.

Rowley fled the scene without calling for help and took steps to cover up her involvement, such as trying to conceal damage to her vehicle, authorities said. About two hours later, a passerby found Bump’s body in the road. Prosecutors believe the severe impact and delay in medical attention contributed to her death.

Rowley was arrested following an investigation by the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office, according to a release issued Thursday, Nov. 7.

She faces multiple charges, including first-degree homicide, second-degree vehicular homicide, and second-degree leaving the scene of an accident causing death. Additional charges include endangering an injured victim, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and tampering with evidence.

A 2021 graduate of Millville Senior High School, Bump was working for the New Jersey Judiciary in the Cumberland County Probation Division, according to her obituary. Recently promoted to Judiciary Clerk 3 in July, she was excited to further her career.

Known for her love of online gaming, Bump frequently played Valorant, Skyrim, and Minecraft with her stepdad and siblings. She was also a fan of Wawa’s chocolate banana smoothies, often seen with one in hand, her obituary says.

Executive Assistant Prosecutor Lesley Snock is overseeing the case, with Rowley currently held in Salem County Jail awaiting a detention hearing.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Detective Christopher Johnson at (856) 453-0486, ext. 23607. Tips can also be submitted anonymously at www.njccpo.gov/tips.

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