A tragic incident involving a mother washing cars in a New Jersey driveway leads to devastating consequences and criminal charges.

According to People, Wendy Castillo-Torres, 30, faces charges of causing death while driving without a valid driver's license after accidentally crushing her 10-month-old infant son while attempting to move a vehicle in Jackson Township.

Ocean County prosecutors swiftly filed charges against Castillo-Torres following the May 17 incident, which occurred at a friend's residence. The devastating accident unfolded when the mother, who had placed her young son in a bouncer seat between two parked vehicles while washing them, attempted to reposition one of the cars.

Fatal Decision Behind the Wheel

Investigators determined that Castillo-Torres made a critical error when she entered one of the vehicles to move it. Instead of engaging the reverse gear as intended, she accidentally put the car in drive, causing it to move forward and trap her infant son between the two vehicles.

The mother immediately attempted to correct her mistake by shifting into reverse upon realizing what had happened. However, the damage had already been done, leaving her son with severe injuries that would prove fatal. Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after 6 p.m., responding to a distress call from the residence. They found the infant unresponsive and rushed him to Monmouth Medical Center for urgent medical attention.

Swift Legal Action Follows Tragedy

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer took immediate action in the case, announcing charges against Castillo-Torres the same day as the incident. The investigation revealed she did not possess a valid driver's license at the time of the accident.

Despite the serious nature of the charges, Billhimer acknowledged the accidental nature of the incident. "Our investigation indicates that this is a tragic accident," he stated. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time."

Law enforcement officials chose to serve Castillo-Torres with a summons rather than take her into immediate custody. She will face future court appearances at the Ocean County Superior Court to address the charges.

Legal Process Begins

The charging decision came within hours of the infant's death, highlighting the swift response from law enforcement in addressing the tragic circumstances. The case presents a complex situation where authorities must balance justice with compassion in dealing with an already devastated parent.

Local authorities continue to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the incident. The case has drawn attention to the importance of maintaining valid driving credentials, even when operating vehicles on private property.

Community members have begun expressing their support for the family as they navigate through this difficult period. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly routine activities can turn tragic.

Fatal Incident Details

Wendy Castillo-Torres, a 30-year-old New Jersey mother, now faces criminal charges following the accidental death of her 10-month-old son on May 17. The incident occurred while she was washing cars in a friend's driveway, leading to a catastrophic sequence of events when she attempted to move one vehicle without possessing a valid driver's license.

The mother must now confront both the devastating loss of her child and the legal consequences of operating a vehicle without proper documentation. She awaits future court appearances where she will answer to the charge of causing death while driving without a valid driver's license.

Why This Story Matters

This case is important because it sheds light on how quickly everyday decisions can turn tragic, especially where children are involved. It also underlines the importance of enforcing driving regulations for public safety. Communities must reflect on how to support families and prevent such devastating losses in the future.

Conclusion

Wendy Castillo-Torres, 30, has been charged with causing the death of her 10-month-old son after unintentionally crushing him between two vehicles while attempting to move a car without a valid license. The incident occurred on May 17, 2025, in the driveway of a friend’s Jackson Township home. Authorities responded to the scene shortly after 6 p.m., and the child was later pronounced dead at Monmouth Medical Center. Prosecutors stated that an investigation showed the death was accidental, though she will face charges in Ocean County Superior Court. The case serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the importance of proper vehicle handling and safety at all times, particularly when children are nearby.