Uber Driver Left PA Dad In Road Before Tractor-Trailer Ran Him Over: Montgomery County DA
An Uber driver struck a 29-year-old Pennsylvania father and left him lying in the road, where a tractor-trailer then ran him over, authorities announced on Tuesday, Oct. 20.
Ricardo Jerry “Ricky” Baptiste, of Drexel Hill, died following the crash on West Germantown Pike near Whitehall Road in East Norriton Township on Sunday, Sept. 6, according to the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.
Andy Nunez Vasquez, 43, of Philadelphia, has been arrested in connection with the fatal hit-and-run, District Attorney Kevin Steele and East Norriton Police Chief Matthew Brannen announced.
Office…
Hartford Mourns Former Deputy Police Chief As Support Grows For His Family
A Connecticut deputy police chief spent more than two decades serving the city. Now, a fundraiser has raised tens of thousands of dollars to help the wife and two young sons he left behind.
Former Hartford Deputy Chief Jason Lee, of Tolland, died Sept. 27 after a yearlong fight with cancer, city officials said. Since his death, nearly 300 people have donated to a GoFundMe for his family, pushing it past $48,000 as of Friday afternoon, Oct. 2.
"His loss is being felt deeply by everyone who knew and loved him, especially (his wife) Caitlin and their two young sons, Anthony and Zach, as they f…
Man Who Killed Taxi Driver Over Fare, Dumped Body In Croton Falls Reservoir Learns Fate
A Dutchess County man who admitted murdering a Connecticut taxi driver whose body was later found in a Hudson Valley reservoir will spend at least two decades behind bars.
Pawling resident Santos Vasquez Ramirez, 28, was sentenced to 21 years to life in state prison on Wednesday, Aug. 26, for the murder of 66-year-old Danbury cab driver Aurelio Orbez, Putnam County District Attorney Robert Tendy announced.
Orbez was reported missing by his family on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, after he failed to return home from work the night before. Six days later, his body was recovered from the Cr…
18-Year-Old Brick Student Killed In Crash Mourned: Remembering Joshua Guarino
Joshua Guarino, an 18-year-old Brick resident and student at Brick Memorial High School, was killed in a car crash in Wall Township on Thursday, Aug. 13.
At 5:36 a.m., first responders responded to Squankum Allenwood Road and found a gray 2006 Honda Civic in the wooded area with extensive damage, Wall Township police said. Guarino, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
"He had his whole life ahead of him, and his loss has left our family, friends, and community completely heartbroken," Gabrielle Masucci, his cousin, who organized a GoFun…
Wood-Ridge Italian Spot Closing After 17 Years
A longtime Bergen County restaurant is preparing to serve its final meals after 17 years in business.
Justin's Ristorante II, located at 269 Hackensack St., in Wood-Ridge, will permanently close on Sunday, July 26, the owner announced in a farewell letter.
The owner thanked the community for making the restaurant part of birthdays, family dinners, celebrations, business milestones, and other special occasions over the years.
"Because of you, Justin's II became more than just a restaurant—it became a place where memories were made, friendships were formed, and our community came together."…
Carteret School Aide Dies, 55
A Carteret school aide known for her laughter, generosity and devotion to her family has died at 55.
Ernestina Cruz died on Saturday, June 27, at Overlook Medical Center in Summit, according to her obituary on the Chubenko Funeral Home website.
Born in Cayey, Puerto Rico, Cruz moved to Carteret in 1987 and spent years working as a teacher's aide for Carteret Public Schools.
She was known for her generous spirit, strength and lively personality. She loved making people laugh, cooking Puerto Rican meals for family and friends, hosting gatherings, dancing and listening to music, but not…
