Man Charged with Reckless Vehicular Homicide in Fatal Wrong-Way Crash on Route 80

The defendant allegedly drove east in westbound lanes, causing a collision that killed a pickup truck driver.

MORRIS COUNTY – A 45-year-old man from Parsippany-Troy Hills faces a charge of second-degree Reckless Vehicular Homicide following a two-vehicle crash on Route 80 West in Rockaway Township that left one person dead, First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood and Chief of Detectives Robert McNally announced. Victor Peters sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the collision but now stands accused of causing the fatal wreck by allegedly traveling the wrong way while under the influence.

Fatal Crash Details

Date and Time: February 2, 2025, at around 2:22 a.m.

Location: Route 80 West, Rockaway Township, Morris County

Vehicles Involved: A Mercedes SUV, allegedly driven by Peters, heading east in the westbound lanes. A 2024 Ford pickup truck, traveling west, driven by 31-year-old Destinn McKnight of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.

The ensuing head-on collision caused fatal injuries to McKnight, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Peters was the sole occupant of the Mercedes and showed signs of impairment, investigators say. He was transported to Morristown Medical Center for treatment.

Charge and Upcoming Court Appearance

Prosecutors have charged Peters with: Second-degree Reckless Vehicular Homicide (N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5a).

In addition, Peters received several motor vehicle summonses. He is set for a pre-indictment conference before Judge Ralph Amirata, J.S.C., on a date yet to be determined.

Investigation and Public Assistance

The New Jersey State Police and Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit are handling the investigation. Anyone with relevant information should contact the Major Crimes Unit at 973-285-6200.

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and Peters is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.