A New Jersey man who struck and killed a Northeastern student has pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide

Gerald Veneziano, the 41-year-old man who beaten and killed Northeastern first-year student Jacob Davis suffered a two-vehicle collision in New Jersey last May and admitted on Jan. 6 that he was driving under the influence and exceeding the speed limit at the time of the accident.

Veneziano, a former police officer, pleaded guilty to second-degree vehicular homicide – also known as vehicular homicide – and driving under the influence.

According to him, Davis majored in behavioral neuroscience in medical school LinkedIn. At the time of the accident in May 2023, he had just completed his first year at Northeastern and was scheduled to graduate in 2027.

After his death, a scholarship was established in Davis’ memory. The Jacob Davis Memorial scholarship is awarded to “one or more full-time students in the College of Science” at Northeastern.

The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office has recommended that Veneziano serve a six-year prison sentence consistent with New Jersey regulations No early release lawwhich requires 85% of the sentence to be served before parole is possible. Under state law, Veneziano’s attorney is unable to argue for a sentence of less than five years.

At his court appearance on Jan. 6, Veneziano admitted to Judge Robert Hanna that he did not “remember the incident,” but based on the evidence presented to him, Veneziano acknowledged his guilt in the crime, they say NorthJersey.com.

Asked in court whether he was driving above the speed limit at the time of the collision, Veneziano replied: “I don’t remember the incident,” but added: “Based on discovery, yes I did.”

Veneziano, who previously worked as a police officer in Fairfield, New Jersey, admitted that it took him longer to “e.gUnderstand and remember things,” due to a brain injury from the collision in addition to the consequences of a head wound be shot He suffered life-threatening injuries as a result 13 years ago.

Veneziano was driving north late at night when his 2021 Chevrolet Silverado collided with Davis’ southbound 2019 Mazda 3 in May 2024. Davis was pronounced dead at the scene, while Veneziano was taken to a hospital with serious internal injuries.

Police found “a number” of open alcohol containers near Veneziano’s vehicle, and a subsequent investigation revealed he was driving approximately 90 miles per hour at the time of the accident, according to an affidavit obtained by NorthJersey.com. A speed limit of 50 miles per hour applies in the area of ​​the accident scene.

Veneziano will be subject to all fines, fees and penalties for driving with a blood alcohol content of over 0.10% under New Jersey law, including loss of driver’s license between seven months and one year, installation of an interlock device in his vehicle, 12 to 48 hours in a state drunk driver information center and possible jail time of 30 days.

He will also pay $8,961.23 in restitution to the Davis family. Veneziano’s sentencing is expected to take place next month.