Man charged in deadly Newark crash that killed former NJ assemblyman

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Prosecutors have arrested 27-year-old John Arango-Taborda and charged him with first-degree aggravated manslaughter and second-degree vehicular homicide in connection with a car crash in Newark, New Jersey that killed former state assemblyman Albert Coutinho. Investigators say Arango-Taborda was speeding when he crashed into Coutinho's vehicle, resulting in the 56-year-old's death.

Why it matters

Coutinho was a well-known and respected figure in Newark's Portuguese community, having served as a state assemblyman and being a key organizer of the city's annual Portugal Day Festival. His death has deeply impacted the local Portuguese and soccer communities that he was deeply involved with.

The details

According to prosecutors, Arango-Taborda, a resident of Elizabeth, New Jersey, was driving at a high rate of speed when he crashed into the vehicle driven by Coutinho. The former assemblyman was pronounced dead at University Hospital following the accident. Arango-Taborda was also injured in the crash.

• The fatal car crash occurred over the weekend in Newark.
• Arango-Taborda was arrested by prosecutors on Wednesday.

What’s next

Prosecutors will continue their investigation into the crash and Arango-Taborda's role in Coutinho's death. The judge will also decide on whether to grant Arango-Taborda bail.