Woman killed in hit-and-run

LONG BRANCH — A 32-year-old Long Branch woman was killed when she was run over by a van while trying to talk to the man in it.

Police said Karla DaSilva-Galvao, 32, of Ocean Boulevard, suffered extensive injuries when struck by the vehicle around 10:47 p.m. on Saturday and was pronounced dead at the scene by MONOC medics.

The vehicle fled the scene after the incident, according to police.

Lt. Bruce Johantgen said Sebastiao DeLima Gontijo, 31, of Joline Avenue, in Long Branch, subsequently turned himself in at police headquarters at 8:25 p.m. on Sunday and was charged with death by auto, leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle accident, hindering a police investigation/apprehension and tampering with evidence.

Bail was set by state Superior Court Judge Ira Kreizman at $750,000 for the first two charges and $250,000 for the second two charges, for a total of $1 million with no 10 percent or ROR (release on recognizance) option, Johantgen said. DeLima Gontijo was taken to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution in Freehold Township.

Johantgen said DaSilva-Galvao and DeLima Gontijo had a prior dating relationship, but according to witnesses, had no current relationship.

The incident occurred in the area of 519 Ocean Blvd., according to Johantgen. The victim was on foot while, according to witnesses, DeLima Gontijo was in a white work van with ladder racks, he said.

“He was driving away from her, and she was hanging onto the car and fell underneath it,” Johantgen said.

He said while the details were a little sketchy, it appeared that she got pulled under the van and the van ran over her.

Johantgen said police found the van Sunday afternoon in Sea Bright, where it was seized as evidence.

“The investigators conducted interviews with witnesses, friends and family members who were able to establish contact with the accused, who was believed to be in Virginia,” he said. “At approximately 8:25 p.m. on Sunday the accused turned himself in at this agency and was charged.”

Johantgen said when police received the initial report of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle, police officers arrived at the Ocean Boulevard location and found the female victim with extensive injuries.

He said Verdadeiro became the primary officer due to a language barrier with the Portuguese speaking witnesses.

— Sherry Conohan