Three men refuse plea deals in Jersey Shore crash that killed a couple while driving at 118 mph.

Three individuals from New Jersey have formally asserted their innocence and rejected a plea deal concerning the tragic deaths of a young couple resulting from a high-speed crash earlier this year. Carlos Martinez, 18, Jake Beauchamp, 20, and Ryan Rivera, 18, are facing an array of serious charges, including two counts each of first-degree aggravated manslaughter. The plea negotiations will remain available until the court proceedings set for December 5, as indicated by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.

Investigations reveal that the trio was allegedly engaged in a reckless joyride, livestreaming their exploits as they sped through the vicinity of the Jersey Shore in a modified white BMW on March 7. Authorities reported that police in Toms River attempted to apprehend the vehicle after observing it traveling at high speeds across Thomas Mathis Bridge at approximately 10:45 p.m. However, the police called off the pursuit when they were unable to safely stop the drivers and instead alerted law enforcement in surrounding jurisdictions.

Ultimately, the BMW traveled through multiple towns, exceeding 100 mph, and made a loop back towards Toms River. At about 10:58 p.m., the vehicle ran a red light at Routes 166 and 37 while traveling at an alarming speed of 118 mph, colliding violently with a Toyota Camry operated by 23-year-old Evan Fiore, who was accompanied by his girlfriend, 21-year-old Kiley Armstrong, in the front passenger seat.

The impact of the crash was devastating; both Fiore and Armstrong were killed instantly. Armstrong’s twin sister, Krista, who was in the backseat with her boyfriend, Ryan Chapman, 19, sustained critical injuries and required two weeks of hospitalization for recovery.

Martinez, who was 17 years old at the time of the incident and unlicensed, was charged on March 13 with two counts of aggravated manslaughter along with 16 other charges. He has opted to be tried as an adult, with his co-defendants facing charges later in July. All three individuals could face significant prison sentences.

Beauchamp’s plea deal, which had the potential to limit his prison term to 20 years, is currently under reconsideration. Meanwhile, Martinez has been offered a sentence of 30 years for his charges, with his attorney affirming his client’s desire to fight the charges in court. A trial is anticipated as both sides prepare for the upcoming legal proceedings.

This case underscores the severe ramifications of reckless behavior and the tragic consequences that can arise from high-speed pursuits. With a young couple’s lives cut short, the focus now shifts to the judicial process and the broader implications for public safety on the roads.