Mercer County Jury Finds Trenton Guilty In April 2019 Fatal Vehicle Crash
Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 6:30 A.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
TRENTON, NJ.- Last week, following a five-day trial in Mercer County Superior Court, a jury found a 53-year-old Trenton, New Jersey, man guilty on multiple charges in connection with fleeing the scene after running down a man on April 29, 2019, in Trenton, New Jersey.
According to Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey, on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, the jury found Luis Rodriguez, 53, of Trenton, New Jersey, guilty on all counts of the indictment, including second-degree Knowingly Leaving the of a Motor Vehicle Crash Resulting in Death and third-degree Endangering an Injured Victim.
After Being Convicted Judge Hughes Remands Rodriguez To Jail
Following the jury returning their findings of guilt, Superior Court Judge J. Adam Hughes revoked Rodriguez’s pretrial release conditions and remanded him to the Mercer County Correctional Center, pending sentencing, which has been scheduled for May 2, 2025. At that time, Rodriguez faces up to ten years in New Jersey State Prison.
The guilty verdict stems from an investigation that began on April 29, 2019, when shortly before 12:00 p.m., members of the Trenton Police Department responded to a report of a person being struck by a motor vehicle in the area of Roebling Market on Elmer Street in the City of Trenton.
Upon Arriving On The Scene, Police Officers Find Mr. Stokes
Upon arrival, Police Officers found Johnnie Stokes on the side of the roadway, complaining of severe chest pains. Mr. Stokes was transported to a nearby hospital, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased on May 16, 2019. Mr. Stokes died from complications from injuries sustained in the crash.
During the trial, Assistant Mercer County Prosecutors Scott Gershman and Peter Rhinelander presented evidence that showed that on April 29, 2019, Mr. Stokes was operating his scooter on Elmer Street in the City of Trenton, when Rodriguez’s Ford Expedition veered into Mr. Stokes lane of travel sticking him and throwing him into a parked vehicle.
After the crash, Rodriguez fled the scene without contacting police or medical personnel. An eyewitness obtained a partial license plate of Rodriguez’s Ford Expedition and provided details at the trial about how the crash occurred. Detectives later obtained video surveillance in the area of the Roebling Market depicting distinguishing characteristics of Rodriguez’s Ford Expedition.
“The state thanks the jury for carefully considering the testimony of witnesses, along with their review of the video surveillance and photographic evidence in this case,” Assistant Prosecutor Gershman said. “Mr. Stokes’s family has waited almost six years to receive justice for their beloved son, brother, and father. The support, engagement, and patience of Mr. Stokes’s family throughout these years were invaluable. It is our hope that while this verdict does not bring back Mr. Stokes, it can provide some closure to the family.”
