Driver Who Killed Sleeping Boy In Drunken South Jersey Crash Learns Fate

ABSECON, NJ — The man who was driving at 107 mph in a drunken crash that killed an 8-year-old boy asleep in a parked car was sentenced Tuesday, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office said.

Edward Johnston, 26, was sentenced to 15 years in New Jersey State Prison for aggravated manslaughter, authorities announced. Johnston, an Egg Harbor City resident, is subject to the No Early Release Act. He must serve at least 85 percent of the sentence before he is eligible for parole.

Johnston had been drinking at several Atlantic City bars before attempting to drive home in the early morning hours of July 23, 2023, authorities said. Due to his "substantial intoxication," Johnston failed to negotiate a curve on White Horse Pike in Absecon, authorities said.

He veered off the roadway and crashed into a parked car, authorities said. At the time of the crash, Johnston was driving 107 mph, officials said.

Inside of that parked car was Javier "Javi" Velez, an 8-year-old from Philadelphia who was sleeping while his father and brother fished nearby. He was killed in the crash.

At Johnston's sentencing, Javi's parents Kaylah Smith and Orlando Velez spoke of their grief and the impact the crash had on their family. Two of Javi's aunts also spoke on behalf of the family.