Elizabeth Man Charged in Fatal Crash That Killed Pedestrian

An Elizabeth man has been arrested and charged in connection with a fatal pedestrian crash that killed a 64-year-old Elizabeth woman in May 2026. Adrian Campossevilla, 28, faces serious charges as investigators conclude their work on the case.

According to Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel, Elizabeth Police Chief Giacomo Sacca, and Police Director Earl Graves, Campossevilla was charged with second-degree vehicular homicide and third-degree strict liability vehicular homicide in the death of Donna Bass.

The Incident

The crash occurred on May 16, 2026, at approximately 11:28 p.m. on North Broad Street near the 500 block of Newark Avenue in Elizabeth. Police officers responded to reports of a motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian. Officers found Bass at the scene and transported her to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Investigation Findings

The investigation determined that Campossevilla was driving under the influence of alcohol and traveling at a high rate of speed before striking Bass as she crossed North Broad Street. These findings led to the vehicular homicide charges.

Custody and Court

Campossevilla was arrested at Elizabeth Police Department and processed. He was transferred to Essex County Jail, where he is awaiting his first court appearance.

Anyone with Information

Residents who have additional information about the crash are urged to contact the Union County Prosecutor's Office Homicide Task Force Detective Kevin Stanicki at 908-477-6649, Sergeant Nicholas Veltre at 908-347-7330, or Elizabeth Police Traffic Unit Detective Brian McDonough at 908-558-2066.

FAQ

Q: How long after the crash was the suspect arrested?

A: The fatal crash occurred on May 16, 2026. The arrest and charging of Adrian Campossevilla was announced in October 2026, approximately four months after the incident. Investigations in vehicular homicide cases often take weeks or months as evidence is collected and analyzed.

Q: What does "second-degree vehicular homicide" mean?

A: Second-degree vehicular homicide is a serious felony charge that applies when someone causes a death through driving while impaired or in a reckless manner. In this case, the investigation found that Campossevilla was driving under the influence of alcohol and at a high rate of speed.

Q: What is "strict liability vehicular homicide"?

A: Strict liability vehicular homicide is a third-degree charge that applies to deaths caused by certain vehicle violations, independent of intent or impairment. It can be charged alongside other vehicular homicide charges.

Q: Where is the suspect being held?

A: Adrian Campossevilla is being held in Essex County Jail pending his first court appearance. The date of his court appearance has not yet been announced.

Q: What should residents do if they have information about the crash?

A: Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Union County Prosecutor's Office Homicide Task Force Detective Kevin Stanicki at 908-477-6649, Sergeant Nicholas Veltre at 908-347-7330, or Elizabeth Police Traffic Unit Detective Brian McDonough at 908-558-2066.