Ocean County Woman Charged With Causing The Death Of Her Infant Son

Monday, May 19, 2025, 2:30 P.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Flecher: Englebrook Independent News,

JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ.- On Saturday, May 17, 2025, a 30-year-old Lakehurst, New Jersey, woman was taken into custody and charged in connection with an accidental motor vehicle crash that occurred early Saturday night in Jackson Township, New Jersey, claiming the life of her 10-month-old.

     According to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, Wendy Castillo-Torres, 30, of Lakehurst, was formally charged with Causing Death While Driving Without a Valid Driver’s License. Castillo-Torres was processed on the charges and was released on a summons complaint pending future court proceedings in Ocean County Superior Court in Toms River, New Jersey.

    The charge is a result of an incident that unfolded when, on Saturday, May 17, 2025, shortly around 6:15 p.m., members of the Jackson Township Police Department responded to a 911 Emergency Call reporting a child being struck by a motor vehicle at Grawtown residence in the Township.

Police Officers And First Responders Find Infant Severely Injured

     Upon arrival, Police Officers found an unresponsive 10-month-old boy with serious life-threatening injuries. The infant was immediately transported to Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus in Lakewood, where, despite life-saving efforts, the infant tragically succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased later Saturday evening.

     During the ensuing investigation by Detectives of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, the Jackson Township Police Department, with the assistance of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, determined that Castillo-Torres brought her ten-month-old son to an address on Grawtown Road, where she utilized a friend’s garage to clean motor vehicles. 

     The infant was placed in a bouncer seat between two vehicles. After cleaning the vehicles, Castillo-Torres got into one of the vehicles to move it. Instead of putting the vehicle in reverse, she placed the vehicle in drive, trapping the baby boy between the two vehicles. Castillo-Torres quickly put the car in reverse, and her friend called 911. Further investigation uncovered that Castillo-Torres did not possess a valid driver’s license at the time of the crash.

     “Our investigation indicates that this was a tragic accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated,

“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”