The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office has released the name of the person who died in a fatal vehicle collision that occurred on November 9, 2025, in West Deptford, Gloucester County. The deceased has been identified as Jose M. Martinez, 42, of Lindenwold, New Jersey.
According to initial findings, at about 6:00 p.m. on November 9, West Deptford Police Patrolman Conor Goggin was driving a marked police car and activated his emergency lights in an attempt to stop another vehicle. The driver of that vehicle sped away and collided with a third car near Hessian and Red Bank Avenues. That third car was driven by Mr. Martinez and also had a passenger in the rear seat. Mr. Martinez, also known as Jose M. Martinez-Peguero, died from injuries sustained in the crash; his passenger suffered a leg fracture.
Authorities have identified the driver who struck Mr. Martinez’s vehicle as George Linard (previously reported as Steve Hall), age 28, of Waltham Cross, United Kingdom. The Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office has charged Linard with death by auto (second degree), assault by auto (fourth degree), and fraudulent possession of a government license (fourth degree).
“The charges and allegations against Linard are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.”
A state law passed in 2019 requires that the Attorney General’s Office investigate any death occurring during an encounter with law enforcement or while the person is in custody. All such investigations must be presented to a grand jury to determine whether there is enough evidence for an indictment against any involved officers.
