MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Chatham Borough Police Chief Brian Gibbons confirmed that Matthew Vining, 29, of Chatham Township, has been charged with second degree Reckless Vehicular Homicide in connection with a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred in Chatham Boro.
At approximately 12:07 p.m. on January 2, law enforcement officers and first responders were dispatched to the scene of a motor vehicle collision involving a motor vehicle and a pedestrian on Fairmount Avenue in Chatham Borough. The investigation revealed that a Ford F-150 had been traveling south on Fairmont Avenue when it struck a pedestrian.
The pedestrian, 54, was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. The victim’s name and identity will not be released at this time.
The driver of the F-150 was identified at the scene as Matthew Vining. As a result of the investigation, Vining was charged on February 4, 2026 with one count of second-degree Reckless Vehicular Homicide, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5A. Vining was also charged with a number of motor vehicle offenses.
On February 5, Vining was granted pretrial release with special conditions that he surrender his passport, sign a waiver of extradition, and have no contact with victims. He is scheduled for pre-indictment conference on March 23, 2026, before Judge Stephen J. Taylor, P.J. Cr.
Members of the Chatham Borough Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit all took part in this investigation.
Chatham Borough Police Chief Brian Gibbons said, “This arrest reflects the thorough, methodical work of the officers and investigators who responded to this tragic crash from the very first moments. Our patrol officers, detectives, and support personnel worked diligently at the scene and throughout the investigation to preserve evidence, document critical facts, and ensure this case was handled with the seriousness it deserved.
“I am especially grateful for the close coordination and professionalism demonstrated by our partners at the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. Through this collaborative effort, our law enforcement partners were able to secure appropriate charges,” said Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll.
While nothing can undo the loss suffered by the victim’s family and our community, we remain committed to thoroughly investigating all serious motor vehicle crashes and, when the evidence supports allegations of distracted or reckless driving, holding unsafe drivers accountable for their actions.”
If anyone has any information related to this investigation, they are encouraged to call the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200.
Editor’s Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
