NJ Cop Convicted in Deadly Parkway Crash

Hillside officer faces up to 20 years for killing Maryland couple while driving under the influence

Mar. 28, 2026 at 1:50pm

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A Hillside police officer has been convicted of vehicular homicide after a jury found he caused a deadly crash on the Garden State Parkway that killed a married couple from Maryland. John P. McClave III was driving recklessly and under the influence when his pickup truck went airborne, left the Parkway, and struck the couple's car, killing them both.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences of impaired driving by law enforcement, raising questions about accountability and public trust in police. The victims were an accomplished professional couple, underscoring the devastating human toll of such incidents.

The details

In October 2021, McClave was headed to his job as a Hillside police officer when his pickup truck left the northbound lanes of the Parkway, went down an embankment, and struck a Toyota Corolla driven by 40-year-old Angel L. Acevedo, Jr. and his 35-year-old wife Daniela Correia Salles. The couple was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators found McClave was driving under the influence of intoxicating substances.

  • In October 2021, the crash occurred on the Garden State Parkway in Tinton Falls.
  • In March 2022, McClave was charged with vehicular homicide and other offenses.
  • On March 28, 2026, McClave was convicted by an Ocean County jury.
  • McClave's sentencing is set for May 8, 2026.

The players

John P. McClave III

A 38-year-old former Hillside police officer convicted of vehicular homicide for causing a deadly crash on the Garden State Parkway while driving under the influence.

Angel L. Acevedo, Jr.

A 40-year-old Maryland resident killed in the crash, an accomplished engineer who worked at the U.S. Army Aberdeen Proving Ground.

Daniela Correia Salles

The 35-year-old wife of Angel Acevedo, a doctor from Brazil who moved to the U.S. and attended Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

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What they’re saying

“A police officer driving to work while under the influence has been found guilty of killing a married couple in a Monmouth County car crash.”

— Erin Vogt, Author

What’s next

McClave faces a maximum of 20 years in state prison and will have to serve 85% of whatever term he is given before the possibility of parole. His sentencing is scheduled for May 8, 2026.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the devastating human toll of impaired driving, even when committed by those entrusted to uphold the law. It raises urgent questions about accountability, public trust, and the need for stronger measures to prevent such senseless loss of life.