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Wayne Resident Charged in Fatal Hit-and-Run in Parsippany
Driver accused of fleeing the scene of a fatal crash, leaving the country, and returning to face charges.
PARSIPPANY, N.J. — A Wayne man has been charged in connection with a fatal hit-and-run that occurred on August 19, 2024, in Parsippany. Davut Batca, 31, is facing a second-degree charge of Knowingly Leaving the Scene of an Accident Under Certain Circumstances, as announced by Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Richard Pantina.
The incident took place around 9:56 p.m. on Route 46 West near Sandra Drive. A male pedestrian, identified as Jelson Cabrera, 35, of Trenton, was struck by a vehicle, which then fled the scene. Cabrera was transported to Morristown Medical Center with severe injuries but was later pronounced dead. Investigators initially suspected a Toyota Rav4 as the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run.
Authorities soon determined that Batca had been driving his parents' 2021 Toyota Rav4 when he struck Cabrera. Rather than remain at the scene, Batca allegedly fled the country shortly after the crash, traveling to Turkey in the days that followed. Law enforcement agencies were able to track Batca, and upon his return to the United States, he was apprehended in New York. He is currently being held at the Morris County Correctional Facility pending further legal proceedings under the Criminal Justice Reform Act.
Multiple law enforcement agencies were involved in the investigation, including the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, the Port Authority Police Department, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit.
The second-degree charge of leaving the scene of an accident carries serious legal consequences, which may include a lengthy prison sentence if Batca is convicted. Investigations into the full circumstances of the incident are ongoing, with authorities focused on piecing together the events that led to Cabrera's tragic death and Batca’s actions in the aftermath.
Officials have yet to provide additional details on Batca’s motivations for fleeing the scene and leaving the country. His next court appearance has not yet been scheduled.
As the community mourns the loss of Cabrera, this case serves as a stark reminder of the severe legal and personal consequences that come from fleeing the scene of an accident. Law enforcement continues to emphasize the importance of remaining at the scene and cooperating with authorities in the wake of such tragedies.
