TRENTON, N.J. – Assemblymen Sean Kean and Edward Thomson called for officials to reject plans to grant early release to the woman whose false report led to the death of a State Trooper from Howell.
The two lawmakers sponsored a 2018 law that named a section of Route 195 in honor of trooper Marc Castellano, who left behind a wife and two children.
“The fact that the state is considering releasing Diana Hoffman early is an insult to all of our dedicated law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line each and every day,” said Kean (R-Monmouth). “This public health crisis should not be used as an excuse to release this woman-or any other inmate–from paying their debt to society.”
Hoffman was placed on a referral list to be considered under Gov. Murphy’s executive order that allows certain inmates to be released early to combat the spread of Covid-19. She was convicted in 2011 of creating a false public alarm and eluding police after a high-speed car chase.
After police stopped her on the side of Route 195, Hoffman told them she was with an armed man, which prompted a search of the area. Castellano, who was 29 year-old, was struck and killed by a passing motorist during the search.
“Just like we will never forget the sacrifice of Trooper Castellano, we cannot forget that Diana Hoffman’s lies resulted in the death of this incredible young man,” said Thomson. “Granting her early release is a slap in the face to Marc Castellano’s family who suffered a devastating loss because of her selfish and irresponsible decisions.”