FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Assistant Prosecutor Leo Hernandez
PHONE: (201) 795-6400 x6722
EMAIL: lhernandez@hcpo.org
DATE: Thursday, March 10, 2016
Prosecutor Suarez Announces Additional Charges in Vehicular Homicide Case
Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez released the following information:
On Thursday, March 10, 2016, Eric L. Patterson age 23, of Jersey City, was charged with two counts of 1st Degree Aggravated Manslaughter, contrary to the provisions of 2C:11-4a, in connection with the deaths of Bryan Rodriguez age 17, and Noel Herrera, age 17, in North Bergen. A review of toxicological reports indicate that Patterson tested positive for phencyclidine, commonly referred to as PCP, a Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance, shortly after the fatal crash. On Saturday, March 5, 2016, at approximately 9:15 p.m., Patterson is alleged to have struck and killed the victims while travelling at a high rate of speed on Kennedy Boulevard.
Prosecutor Suarez would like to commend the efforts of the Crash Investigation Unit of the Hudson County Sherriff’s Office, the North Bergen Police Department and the Union City Police Department for their respective roles in the investigation.
The above charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).