News

Trooper Castellano succumbed to injuries sustained while on duty

Published June 1, 2010

West Trenton, New Jersey - New Jersey State Police Superintendent Colonel Joseph R. Fuentes announced the passing of New Jersey State Trooper Marc K. Castellano, 29. Trooper Castellano succumbed to injuries sustained while in the performance of his duties at Jersey Shore Medical Center. 

Trooper Castellano was struck by a motor vehicle while assisting in a search for the occupants of an abandoned car that was the subject of a BOLO.  The vehicle was found abandoned on Interstate 195 westbound on the ramp at exit 31 in Howell Township.  Arrested at the scene was the driver of the abandoned vehicle, 30 year-old Blackwood, New Jersey resident Diana Hoffman.  Hoffman was placed under arrest and charges are pending.  Hoffman’s vehicle is not the vehicle that struck Trooper Castellano. Authorities are also investigating the validity of Hoffman’s claim that an unidentified black male was a passenger in the vehicle. A search of the area for a suspect has been suspended.

Trooper Castellano served honorably with the New Jersey State Police for over five years, graduating as a member of the 136th New Jersey State Police Academy Training Class in September of 2004. Trooper Castellano was a member of the Troop “C” Tactical Patrol Unit. He was married with two children. State Police Superintendent Colonel Rick Fuentes was at the hospital with Trooper Castellano and his family.

“The loss of Trooper Castellano is a difficult blow to absorb,” said Colonel Fuentes. “The New Jersey State Police prides itself on being a family and the loss of our brother will be felt throughout the entire Division of State Police,” Fuentes said. “Trooper Castellano was the embodiment of the finest ideals of the New Jersey State Police.”  “We will keep he and his family foremost in our thoughts and prayers.”

He is survived by his wife Stephanie, his daughter Julianna, 4 years old, and his son Vincent, 1 year old.
The viewing will be Friday, June 11, 2010 from 2 PM to 8 PM at the Lakewood Funeral Home, 6250 Rt. 9 South, Howell, NJ 07731.  Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, June 12, 2010 at 9:30 AM at Saint Veronica’s Catholic Church, 4215 Rt. 9 North, Howell, NJ 07731.  Burial will take place immediately following the church service at Saint Rose of Lima Cemetery, 299 Freehold-Englishtown Road, Freehold, NJ 07728.
All State Police Personnel and other Police Department Representatives shall assemble and report to Lt. Stephen Morenski #4318, at Saint Veronica’s Catholic Church, 4215 Rt. 9 North, Howell NJ, 07731 on June 12, 2010 at 8:00 AM.
All Police Agencies intending to send representatives to the funeral are requested to contact Troop “C” Headquarters at (609) 584-5000 Ext. 5248 and advise the number of personnel attending.
Directions to Saint Veronica’s Catholic Church are as follow:
FROM NORTH: New Jersey Turnpike, Southbound to Exit 7A, I-195 East (Shore Points) to Exit 28 A, US 9 South, Make the U-Turn at Salem Hill Road for US 9 North and the Church will be on the right hand side.
FROM SOUTH: New Jersey Turnpike North to Exit 7A, then follow from the above directions.