Vigil in Manchester Township remembers 23-year-old killed in hit-and-run crash

Jeffrey Schlinger, 23, was riding his motorcycle eastbound when police say he was fatally struck by Yesmin Sanchez-Centeno, 22, who was also driving eastbound in a Nissan Murano.

Amanda Lee and Bob Doda

Aug 6, 2023, 9:22 PM

Updated 276 days ago

Share:

Family and friends of a 23-year-old killed by an alleged drunk driver in a hit-and-run remembered him during a vigil in Manchester Township on Sunday night.
They gathered for the vigil off Route 37, where police say the crash occurred on Thursday night.
Jeffrey Schlinger, 23, was riding his motorcycle eastbound when police say he was fatally struck by Yesmin Sanchez-Centeno, 22, who was also driving eastbound in a Nissan Murano.
Schlinger was taken to Community Medical Center in Toms River where he was pronounced dead.
Police say Centeno continued to drive away from the scene until his car gave out. He then tried to run away before officers took him into custody, according to authorities.
Police say he was under the influence at the time and did not even have a driver’s license. Centeno was charged with vehicular homicide, amongst other charges.
"Just don't drink and drive. It's not worth it. By taking one life, you hurt a lot of people. It's not just one person that suffers. This whole community of people that are out here today are suffering," said Erika Schlinger, sister of the victim.
Jeffrey Schlinger's friend, Kyle Morris, said he was with him on the night of the incident.
"I was right behind him when the car flew out in front of us," Morris recalled. He said he was riding behind Schlinger in the right lane when he witnessed a car fly past him and strike his friend.
"I was in the right lane when the guy came out and, for some reason, he missed me and ended up hitting Jeff instead in the left lane," Morris said.
Schlinger's sister urged motorists to think twice before getting on the road after drinking alcohol.
"Call a friend, call an Uber, walk. There's just no reason to ever get behind the wheel," she said.
A GoFundMe is raising funds for Schlinger’s funeral costs.


More from News 12
1:52
Prosecutor: Mount Olive day care teacher accused of assaulting 16-month-old girl

Prosecutor: Mount Olive day care teacher accused of assaulting 16-month-old girl

1:58
STORM WATCH: Scattered thunderstorms expected Thursday morning

STORM WATCH: Scattered thunderstorms expected Thursday morning

2:40
KIYC: Is New Jersey’s treatment of rape victims violating their human rights?

KIYC: Is New Jersey’s treatment of rape victims violating their human rights?

2:54
4 Keyport businesses indefinitely shut down after construction incident condemns building

4 Keyport businesses indefinitely shut down after construction incident condemns building

How to report anti-Asian hate crimes in the tri-state

How to report anti-Asian hate crimes in the tri-state

2:46
Educators gather at FDU for program to learn how to teach Asian American and Pacific Islander history

Educators gather at FDU for program to learn how to teach Asian American and Pacific Islander history

0:23
Police issue safety warning after black bear spotted in Hawthorne neighborhood

Police issue safety warning after black bear spotted in Hawthorne neighborhood

0:36
Jersey Proud: Red Cross volunteers make sure Mount Holly residents have smoke detectors

Jersey Proud: Red Cross volunteers make sure Mount Holly residents have smoke detectors

0:29
Police: Multiple fights inside East Brunswick High School lead to lockdown, shelter-in-place

Police: Multiple fights inside East Brunswick High School lead to lockdown, shelter-in-place

0:20
Police: 2 men assault, rob victim walking alone in Montclair

Police: 2 men assault, rob victim walking alone in Montclair

2:14
State monitor assigned to Nutley Public School District to assist with finances

State monitor assigned to Nutley Public School District to assist with finances

1:34
ExxonMobil's Research and Engineering closing Clinton Township facility, relocating to Houston

ExxonMobil's Research and Engineering closing Clinton Township facility, relocating to Houston

0:17
Authorities: Man dies following Sunday shooting in Paterson

Authorities: Man dies following Sunday shooting in Paterson

0:27
Clayton police: Man, woman found dead inside apartment in reported murder-suicide

Clayton police: Man, woman found dead inside apartment in reported murder-suicide

0:30
Russian national charged in New Jersey with developing and operating LockBit ransomware

Russian national charged in New Jersey with developing and operating LockBit ransomware

0:31
Westfield police warn about apartment rental scam on social media

Westfield police warn about apartment rental scam on social media

0:29
Officials: 2 oil tanker engineers accused of dumping oily waste off coast of New Jersey

Officials: 2 oil tanker engineers accused of dumping oily waste off coast of New Jersey

0:24
Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center nurses host Met Gala-like fashion show for Nurses Week

Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center nurses host Met Gala-like fashion show for Nurses Week

0:24
Police: Juvenile charged for making fake threat at Warren Middle School

Police: Juvenile charged for making fake threat at Warren Middle School