A driver whose passenger died when he drove drunk and smashed his pickup truck into the second floor of a Warren County home was sentenced Friday to 40 years in state prison, officials said.
The sentence was handed down exactly four years after the deadly crash that also left a resident with “life-altering” injuries, according to a statement from the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office.
“This sentence sends a clear message: drinking and driving with reckless disregard for human life will not be tolerated here in Warren County,” Warren County Prosecutor Jessica Cardone said.
John C. Nunn, 32, of Washington Township, was convicted last year of first-degree aggravated manslaughter, second-degree death by auto, second-degree aggravated assault and two counts of third-degree assault by auto, the office said. He was sentenced to 30 years on the aggravated manslaughter conviction and 10 years for the aggravated assault, with both to run consecutively.
Nunn was heading east on Route 57 in Washington Township on Feb. 6, 2022 when he attempted to pass two other vehicles and lost control, investigators said. His truck hit a mailbox and a stone pillar as the vehicle careened into the house.
That section of Route 57 does not allow passing, officials said.
Nunn was thrown from the vehicle during the crash and found in the first floor, authorities said. His injuries were minor.
His passenger, Tyler Balog, 24, of Washington Borough, was pronounced dead at the scene, the office said.
The homeowners were in the house when the truck hit it, authorities said. One of them, a woman, was in the bedroom sleeping. She was flown to Morristown Medical Center in critical condition but she ultimately survived.
The other homeowner, a man, was not in the bedroom at the time and was not hurt, officials said. He was taken to Hackettstown Medical Center as a precaution.
Detectives determined Nunn was driving while intoxicated. He was later arrested and charged, the office said.
“We thank the first responders who acted quickly and professionally in the aftermath,” Cardone said. “The families in this case will continue to live with the consequences of this tragedy every day. We stand with the victims, their families, and first responders as they continue to face the lasting impact of this case.”
