Speeding Driver In Double-Fatal South Jersey Crash Gets Sentenced

VINELAND, NJ — A woman who admitted to speeding during a crash that killed two people in Cumberland County was sentenced Friday to eight years in prison.

Malexus Coleman, 30, was driving nearly double the speed limit in February 2023 as she approached a vehicle that was making a turn in Vineland, authorities said. Coleman struck the Dodge Durango, killing the driver and a passenger, according to the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office.

Authorities identified the victims as Gary Lawson, 76, and Diane Lindquist, 73, both of Millville.

Vehicle data showed that Coleman was driving 84 to 85 mph five seconds before the crash and then 64 mph right before the collision, prosecutors said. The roadway's speed limit was 45 mph.

Coleman, of Vineland, would have avoided the crash if she drove between 45 and 55 mph, authorities said.

One year later, Coleman was charged with two counts of death by auto and two counts of violation of law intended to protect public health and safety. She pleaded guilty to the latter charges in November.

Coleman was sentenced Friday to two eight-year prison terms, which will run simultaneously.