Moorestown Man Charged with Vehicular Homicide

A Moorestown man who crashed his car last year in Woodland Township has been charged with causing the death of one of his passengers and seriously injuring another, authorities said Tuesday.

Brandon R. Reese, 19, of the 500 block of Kings Highway, was "at or above" the legal alcohol limit on Sept. 27, 2010, when he veered off County Road 563 and hit a utility pole, causing the car to overturn and strike several trees, according to reports. 

Samantha Passeri, 19, Cherry Hill, was thrown from the front passenger seat and died at the scene, authorities said. Another passenger in the back suffered extensive injuries. Reese suffered a fractured clavicle in the crash.

Burlington County Prosecutor Robert D. Bernardi and State Police Superintendent Col. Rick Fuentes announced Tuesday Reese has been charged with vehicular homicide and assault by automobile. Bail was set Monday at $150,000, with no 10 percent option, by Judge Michael J. Haas. The case will be presented to a grand jury for indictment.

Reese was originally charged with driving while intoxicated and reckless driving. The charges were upgraded after the results of the toxicology test were revealed.

The investigation was conducted by detectives from the State Police Crime Scene Unit South, State Police Fatal Accident Unit and State Police Troop C Criminal Investigation Office.