(05/05/06) NEWARK ? Family members of a man killed in a car crash want to know why they weren?t properly informed of their loved one?s death.

The Baptist family says their relative, Lew, was killed in a crash Wednesday night. the crash was caused by a suspected thief who was driving a stolen car and leading police on a high speed chase through the streets of Newark. However, the family says they only found out about the tragic death when they went to visit a wounded victim of the same crash in the hospital. The family says police officers never contacted them in any way about Lew?s death.

When contacted by News 12 New Jersey, the New Jersey State Police Department said the Newark Police Department was handling the investigation. However, the Newark Police Department says they have nothing to do with the case. When confronted with the Newark P.D.?s response, state police said ?they? had informed the family, but they weren?t sure which family member they had spoken to. Members of the Baptist family contradict that claim.