The Egg Harbor City man who crashed into a parked car killing the little boy asleep inside pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter last week
Edward Johnston, 25, was drunk and going 107 mph when he struck a curve on Absecon Boulevard at about 3:35 a.m. July 23, 2023.
Edward Johnston appears in court.He hit a vehicle where a Philadelphia father and his two sons were packing up to head home from a fishing trip.
Javier Velez was curled up in the back seat, where he fell asleep.
The impact trapped the boy inside. He died at the scene.
It later would be revealed that Johnston had a blood-alcohol level more than 1½ times the legal limit..
He was charged three months after the crash and jailed. A judge’s decision to release him following a detention hearing was upheld by an appellate panel.
The move led Javi’s family to protest outside the courthouse, and enlist elected leaders to try to change how these cases are handled.
Kaylah Smith also started an online petition to change the law, and has even testified before a legislative committee to get the law changed in honor of her son.
Johnston's plea agreement calls for 15 years in prison under the No Early Release Act. He must serve at least 85 percent, or 12 years and nine months, before he is eligible for parole.
He remains free pending his sentencing set for May. 13
