Ocean County First Assistant Prosecutor Michael T. Nolan, Jr., announced that on Brian Kosanke, of Lavallette, previously pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide in the death of Thomas Castronovo, 80, of Warren, on Oct. 19, 2019 in Lavallette, according to Ocean County First Assistant Prosecutor Michael T. Nolan, Jr.
Kosanke also was sentenced to concurrent prison time for hindering apprehension, Nolan said.
On Oct.19, 2019, at approximately 6:30 p.m., Lavallette police responded to Route 35 North and Guyer Avenue for a report of a pedestrian with serious injuries having been struck by a motor vehicle. Police found Castronovo had been struck by a vehicle operated by Kosanke, Nolan said. Lifesaving measures were administered to Mr. Castronovo by first responders at the scene. He was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
Kosanke agreed to submit to a blood sample. The results of the blood sample revealed that Kosanke was under the influence of Xanax, Cocaine, Morphine, Fentanyl and Gabapentin when he struck Castronovo, Nolan said.
Kosanke had been held in the Ocean County Jail since his arrest. He was released from jail on home detention – over the State’s objection - following entry of his guilty pleas. On Feb. 11, Kosanke surrendered to authorities to begin serving his sentence.
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