Arrest in Fatal Car Crash that Killed Elderly Woman in Newark Laundromat

Newark, N.J – Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda announced today an arrest in connection with a fatal two-car crash that claimed the life of an elderly woman in Newark on Monday, April 27, 2026.

Aides Benites Rivera, 45, of Newark, is charged with second-degree leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. 

Preliminary findings indicate Rivera was driving a Dodge Ram pickup truck on Monday afternoon when it struck a parked vehicle outside the Ivy Hill Laundromat causing both cars to crash through the front of the business.

The victim, Ruth Benjamim, 81, of Newark, was seated at a table near the front of the laundromat when she was struck. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.

These allegations are merely accusations.  All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they enter a guilty plea or are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The public is encouraged to report any information related to criminal activity by contacting the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.  All calls will remain confidential.

AIDES BENITES RIVERA