A state grand jury has decided not to bring criminal charges against Trooper Anthony Fernandes of the New Jersey State Police following a fatal crash that resulted in the death of Frank Lando, Jr., 65, of Toms River. The incident occurred on April 9, 2024, in Southampton, New Jersey.
The Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) conducted an investigation into Mr. Lando’s death and presented the findings to a state grand jury. This process followed the Independent Prosecutor Directive of 2019, which requires such cases to be handled with neutrality and transparency. In July 2021, OPIA established standard operating procedures to guide these presentations.
The evidence provided to the grand jury included body-worn camera footage, statements from civilian witnesses and law enforcement officers, a report reconstructing the fatal motor vehicle crash, photographs, and autopsy results from the state medical examiner. After reviewing this material and hearing testimony, the grand jury concluded its deliberations on August 11, 2025. The panel voted “no bill,” meaning no criminal charges would be filed against Trooper Fernandes.
According to investigators, Trooper Fernandes was patrolling westbound on Route 70 in a marked police vehicle when he saw a speeding car traveling eastbound near Burns Mill Road. He attempted a U-turn across Route 70 to stop the speeding vehicle. During this maneuver at around 11:39 a.m., Mr. Lando’s Kawasaki motorcycle collided with the driver’s side of Trooper Fernandes’ vehicle.
After the collision, Trooper Fernandes exited his vehicle and approached Mr. Lando, who had been thrown from his motorcycle. He remained at the scene, contacted dispatchers to report what happened, and provided medical assistance until other officers and emergency responders arrived. Mr. Lando was transported to Virtua Mount Holly Hospital but was pronounced dead at approximately 12:45 p.m. Trooper Fernandes did not suffer significant injuries.
State law N.J.S.A. 52:17B-107(a)(2), enacted in 2019, requires that any death occurring during an encounter with law enforcement or while someone is in custody must be investigated by the Attorney General’s Office and presented to a grand jury for possible indictment consideration against involved officers.
As part of standard procedure under the Independent Prosecutor Directive, officials checked for conflicts of interest within those assigned to investigate this case; none were found. OPIA Executive Director Drew Skinner reviewed all investigative materials before they were given to jurors as required by policy.
Following such investigations—and consistent with internal guidelines—OPIA determines whether further administrative review is needed by referring relevant individuals or matters back to appropriate law enforcement agencies for follow-up under Internal Affairs Policy & Procedures.
