TOMS RIVER, N.J. — John P. McClave III, a 38-year-old former New Jersey police officer, has been convicted of two counts of second-degree vehicular homicide for causing a fatal car crash that killed a married couple in 2021.
McClave was found guilty after a weeklong trial in Ocean County Superior Court, according to a statement from Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago.
Details of the Crash
The crash occurred on Saturday, October 9, 2021, on Asbury Avenue, near the Garden State Parkway overpass. McClave was on his way to work when his vehicle left the lanes of the Garden State Parkway and became airborne after hitting an embankment, ultimately colliding with the vehicle driven by Angel L. Acevedo, Jr., 40, and his wife, Daniela Correia Salles, 35. Tragically, both Acevedo and Salles were pronounced dead at the scene.
McClave was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
Reckless Driving and Substance Use
Prosecutors stated that McClave was driving recklessly at the time of the crash. Investigators revealed that McClave was under the influence of an intoxicating substance when the crash occurred.
A blood test conducted on McClave revealed the presence of THC, the active compound in marijuana, though his blood alcohol level was below the legal limit.
Conviction and Sentencing
McClave faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in state prison. Under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act (NERA), McClave will be required to serve 85% of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole. His sentencing hearing is tentatively set for May 8, 2026.
The conviction of McClave marks the end of a long legal process for the families of Angel L. Acevedo and Daniela Correia Salles, who tragically lost their lives in a reckless crash.
McClave’s sentence will serve as a reminder of the consequences of reckless driving and driving under the influence of intoxicating substances.
