Executive Summary
- Jamie Doyle, 40, ordered detained pending trial by Superior Court Judge Wendel E. Daniels.
- Prosecutors allege Doyle was driving 106 mph on Route 37 prior to the crash.
- The January 23 collision resulted in the death of 76-year-old Ronald Bucher.
A Toms River man accused of driving at more than twice the legal speed limit before a fatal collision on Route 37 has been ordered to remain detained pending trial, according to Ocean County prosecutors. Jamie Doyle, 40, appeared before State Superior Court Judge Wendel E. Daniels on Thursday for a detention hearing regarding the crash that killed a local senior citizen.
The charges stem from a January 23 incident involving the death of 76-year-old Ronald Bucher of Toms River. According to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, investigators allege that Doyle was traveling at 106 mph at the time of the collision. The posted speed limit on that section of Route 37 is significantly lower, leading authorities to characterize the driving as extremely reckless.
Judge Daniels ruled that Doyle must remain behind bars while awaiting further legal proceedings. The prosecution presented evidence suggesting that the excessive speed was a primary factor in the fatality, arguing that Doyle posed a continued risk to the community.
Judicial Proceedings and Legal Context
The decision to deny release highlights the strict application of pretrial detention guidelines in cases involving vehicular homicide with aggravating factors such as excessive speed. Under current criminal justice procedures, the court weighs public safety concerns against the defendant’s rights when determining custody status. As the case moves toward trial, accident reconstruction analysis regarding the alleged 106-mph speed will likely serve as a pivotal component of the prosecution’s case. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
