A Trenton woman who
Taquaysha Bell, now 31, was heading west on the White Horse Pike just after 11 p.m. June 19, 2020, when she crossed into the eastbound lane near Moss Mill Road and struck a car driven by Michael Luko Sr.
She was said to be under the influence at the time.
Luko, 53, was heading home from work at the New Jersey Human Services Police Department. He joined the department after serving 21 years as an officer in Egg Harbor City.
He left behind a wife and two children. Since his death, Lugo's son became a father, which would have been Luko’s first grandchild.
Bell was initially released from jail as the case went through the system.
She was driving on North Olden Avenue when she struck a bicyclist just after 1 a.m. Aug. 19, 2022, about a week after pleading guilty in the fatal case.
Bell was charged with leaving the scene of an accident causing bodily injury, failure to report a motor vehicle crash and failure to exhibit documents.
She was arrested Sept. 9, and has been in the Atlantic County Justice Facility since.
Bell had two men and a woman in her vehicle. The two men were not injured but Chanelle Morgan was.
She received a concurrent five years on that aggravated assault charge.
Bell must serve at least 85 percent of the seven-year sentence — or nearly six years — before she is eligible for parole.
Her driver’s license will be suspended for five years after her release from prison.
