Two suspected speed demons are accused of fueling a deadly multi-vehicle crash in New Jersey — and one of the drivers is now being charged in the death of his own wife.
Benjamin Futerman, 32, was behind the wheel of a BMW and Wilson Familia, 22, was driving a Ford Mustang — both allegedly exceeding 100 mph — when they crashed on Route 9 near Ferry Road in OPld Bridge shortly after 1 a.m. on June 2, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office said.
Futerman’s doomed wife, Kristina Godich, 31, who was sitting in the front passenger seat, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials would not speculate if the two men were drag racing.
Futerman, of Manalapan, and Familia, of Old Bridge, “drove recklessly and at a high rate of speed before colliding with other vehicles,” the prosecutors said.
“The cause of the crash is still being investigated,” said prosecutor spokesperson Brynn Krause.
Futerman was rushed to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in critical condition, and was released days later. He surrendered to authorities Wednesday, officials said.
Familia and his three passengers were also transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. Familia surrendered to the Old Bridge Police Department on Monday.
Futerman was hit with one count of first-degree aggravated manslaughter and one count of second-degree vehicular homicide in the death of his wife, prosecutors said. Familia was charged with second-degree aggravated assault, fourth-degree assault by auto, and two counts of third-degree aggravated assault for the injuries sustained by his passengers, authorities said.
Futerman’s wife was a Rutgers grad who worked in finance and credit risk management for Wells Fargo.
Godich was born in Uzbekistan and brought to the US as an infant, according to her gut-wrenching obituary, which documented the mom’s kindness, love of family and zest for life.
“Kristina was a huge animal lover and had a special place in her heart for the less-fortunate, sickly, injured and homeless animals, she would nurse them back to health and provide a warm, loving haven for them. Each wagging tail and grateful purr was a testament to her selfless devotion,” the obituary reads.
She “also loved to travel and explore the world” and was a “fabulous fashionista who strutted through life with style and sass. Her love affair with fashion was matched only by her obsession with shoes,” the tribute said.
In addition to noting that Godich was a “devoted mother” to son, Jayson, the poignant write-up eerily describes Kristina as “a loving wife and a best friend to a husband who adored and spoiled her.”
Both Futerman and Familia were released this week on pre-trial monitoring, authorities said.