Driver In Fatal Paramus School Bus Crash In Morris Cty. Indicted

PARAMUS, NJ — Hudy Muldrow Sr., the man who authorities say caused a fatal school bus crash on Interstate 80 that killed two people, has been indicted on dozens of charges, authorities announced Wednesday.

Muldrow, 78, of Woodland Park, was charged with two counts of second-degree reckless vehicular homicide, 25 counts of fourth-degree assault by auto, and 16 counts of assault by auto, a disorderly persons offense, Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announced.

Authorities allege that Muldrow's "reckless operation" of the bus caused the deaths of teacher Jennifer Williamson-Kennedy and 10-year-old student Miranda Faith Vargas, and injured 40 other passengers on the bus and the driver of the dump truck.

Officials say Muldrow caused the horrific crash when he cut the school bus across three lanes of Route 80 traffic in an attempt to reach an official use only turn-around point in the median. Through a lawyer, Muldrow has maintained his innocence.

Forty-five students, teachers and adults from East Brook Middle School in Paramus were onboard the bus, which was traveling to a school field trip at Waterloo Village in Byram Township, during the May 17 crash.

Muldrow has a long history of driving trouble, the state Motor Vehicle Commission confirmed, including 14 license suspensions.
Despite his record, Muldrow still managed to have a commercial driver's license with valid passenger and school bus endorsements,

Commission spokesperson Mairin Bellack said. Paramus officials have said they were unaware of his driving record.

Muldrow is scheduled to be arraigned in Morris County Superior Court April 29.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com