Both Drivers Drunk In Fatal Jersey Shore Crash, Authorities Say

EATONTOWN, NJ — Both drivers involved in a two-car crash last summer in Eatontown — where a South Carolina woman was killed — are now criminally charged after an investigation revealed both were under the influence of one or more intoxicating substances at the time of the crash, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago announced Monday.

The Monmouth County Prosecutor is declining to reveal what the substances are.

Zyasia Henson, 28, of Long Branch and Edgar G. Marcial-Diaz, 32, of Red Bank are both charged with second-degree vehicular homicide and two counts of third-degree assault by auto. Additionally, Henson is charged with two counts of second-degree child endangerment and hindering apprehension.

The crash happened at approximately 7:50 p.m. on Thursday, August 24, 2023: Eatontown PD responded to Rt. 35 and Broad Street. The two cars were a 2006 Nissan Altima operated by Henson and a 2002 Dodge Durango operated by Marcial-Diaz.

Marcial-Diaz was the only occupant of his vehicle, while Henson’s vehicle had four relatives as passengers, including a 26-year-old woman, 23-year-old Octavius Wallace of Lake City, South Carolina, and her 4-year-old and 1-year-old sons. Wallace sustained catastrophic injuries in the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Both drivers and Henson’s 1-year-old son escaped serious injury, despite the infant child being ejected from the vehicle as a result of the crash. Henson’s adult female passenger and her older son sustained serious injuries and were transported to local medical facilities for treatment.

Police say both drivers failed to stop for red lights on their respective sides of the roadway, say police.