Local Man Sentenced To Prison For Killing Teen In Car Crash

By Alyssa Riccardi

MANAHAWKIN – An Ocean County man has been sentenced to 17 years in state prison after driving 80 miles an hour while intoxicated, resulting in the death of a teen girl.

On January 30, 2021, officers from the Little Egg Harbor Township Police Depart- ment reported to Radio Road and Baltusrol Court about a two-vehicle crash with serious injuries. It was revealed that Michael Pillarella, 28, of Manahawkin, was driving northbound on Radio Road when he failed to negotiate a curve in the road and hit an oncoming car.

Two teens were in the other car and both had to be airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune due to serious injuries. Pillarella was airlifted to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center Trauma Center in Atlantic City for treatment of his injuries.

Auto with two counts as to each offense.

On February 9, 2021, one of the teens involved in the incident passed away from her injuries. As a result, the charges against Pillarella were upgraded to include Aggravated Manslaughter and Vehicular Homicide.

On February 1, 2021, Pillarella was charged with Aggravated Assault and Assault by (Crash - See Page 20)

Police revealed laboratory results of

Crash:

Continued From Page 19

Pillarella’s blood, which they found he was under the influence of Alprazolam, Methadone and Fentanyl at the time of the crash. Police also found that Pillarella was driving at an excessive rate of speed, around 80 miles per hour, at the time of the crash. Subsequently he was charged with Speeding.

On May 5, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Pillarella was sentenced to 17 years in New Jersey State Prison (NJSP) having previously been found guilty of Manslaughter. This sentence will be subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act, meaning that Pillarella will be required to serve at least 85 percent of his prison sentence before he may be considered for parole eligibility.

Additionally, Pillarella was sentenced to four years NJSP as a result of being found guilty of Assault by Auto in connection with the same motor vehicle crash. The sentences will run consecutively.

Prosecutor Billhimer commended the diligence and dedication of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Robert Cassidy and Assistant Prosecutor Alyssa Mandara who together tried this case on behalf of the State. The Prosecutor likewise extends his gratitude to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit,

Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crimes Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Advocacy Unit, Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department, Berkeley Township Police Department, New Jersey State Police, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, for their combined and collective efforts investigating this tragedy – ultimately resulting in Pillarella’s state prison sentence.

Fun Facts About The Praying Mantis (Mantids)

By Renee A. Thomaier

Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

There are about 2,000 species of mantids based on information documented in 2020. Only 18 species are native to North America, with the remaining species occupying tropical areas. The species you would see here in the United States are exotic species. The majority of mantids in New Jersey are invasive, more specifically the Chinese mantis and the European mantis. Believe it or not, mantids, who are insects, are closely related to both termites and cockroaches.

The praying mantis is the only insect possessing the ability to swivel their heads 180 degrees, which makes it challenging to sneak up on them. Even those who are not fond of insects seem to be fascinated, even drawn, to the praying mantis. This acceptance of them is likely due to their humanoid faces and long, grasping forelegs.

Reproduction comes in the form of eggsdepositing them on a stem or twig in the fall, protecting them with a substance resembling Styrofoam which she secretes from her body. The eggs will develop over the winter. You would be able to find eggs during the winter after trees and shrubs have lost their leaves. However, attempting to bring these egg sacks into your home could result in finding your house overrun with little mantids. The male praying mantis is sometimes beheaded before consummation with the female. Turns out the male is considered a better lover without his brain, which controls inhibition and the act of copulation.

For obvious reasons the name of the praying mantis refers to the way it holds its front legs, as if to pray, however, this is a deadly predator. Their attack is lightning quick to grab an insect, using its sharply spined forelegs, enabling them to hold its prey tightly as it devours it. While they are often viewed as beneficial insects, they will devour good bugs and bad bugs. Larger mantids will feast upon frogs, birds, and lizards.

There are no state/federal laws protecting the praying mantis.

I gathered the information for this article from multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732-244-2768. It’s illegal to possess, relocate, or cause harm to wildlife for any reason. Managing wildlife without the proper state/federal permits is illegal. Violating laws protecting wildlife is punishable by law.