FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Raymond Worrall
PHONE: (201) 795-6400 Ext. 6737
EMAIL: rworrall@hcpo.org
TWITTER: @HCPOProsecutor
WEB: hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org
DATE: Thursday, April 13, 2017
CHARGES UPGRADED FOR SUSPECT IN FATAL NORTH BERGEN CRASH
Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez released the following information:
An ongoing investigation into the North Bergen crash resulting in the death of Russell Maffei and Marie Tauro has resulted in additional charges for the suspect, Michael Hansen, age 38, of North Bergen. On April 12, 2017, the Prosecutor’s Homicide Division charged the defendant with two counts of Death by Auto in violation of N.J.S. 2C:11-5. In addition, several motor vehicle summons were issued against Hansen including Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving, Failure to Report a Motor Vehicle Accident and Leaving the Scene of an Accident.
On Sunday, April 2, 2017, at approximately 8:05 p.m., the North Bergen Police Department received a report of a pedestrian struck near the intersection of Paterson Plank Road and Kennedy Boulevard in North Bergen. Upon arrival, North Bergen Police Officers found two victims, Russell Maffei, age 57, and Marie Tauro, age 80, both of Jersey City. Maffei and Tauro were transported by Medical Services to Jersey City Medical Center where they were pronounced dead shortly before 10:40 p.m.
The vehicle suspected in the crash fled the scene and was subsequently located in North Bergen. Hansen, who was identified as the owner of the suspected vehicle, was arrested shortly before 4 a.m. during the execution of a search warrant at a residence in North Bergen. Hansen, who is a Hudson County Corrections Officer, was staying at the residence with family members.
Hansen was initially charged with two counts of Leaving the Scene of an Accident that Resulted in Death and Resisting Arrest.
The Prosecutor’s Homicide Unit continues to actively investigate this case. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Office of the Hudson County Prosecutor at 201-915-1345 or to leave an anonymous tip on the Prosecutor’s official website at: http://www.hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org/homicide-tip/ . All information will be kept confidential.
The above charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. R.P.C.3.6(b)(6).