ROCKAWAY TOWNSHIP — A Parsippany-Troy Hills man has been convicted of first-degree Aggravated Manslaughter and second-degree Vehicular Homicide following a fatal wrong-way crash on Route 80 that claimed the life of a Pennsylvania man in February 2025.

A Morris County jury returned its verdicts on July 22, following a five-day trial before the Honorable Ralph E. Amirata, J.S.C. The defendant, Victor Peters, 46, of Parsippany-Troy Hills, will remain in custody until his sentencing hearing, scheduled for September 11, 2026.

At sentencing, both convictions are subject to the No Early Release Act, making Peters ineligible for parole until he has served 85% of his sentence.

On February 2, 2025, at approximately 2:33 a.m., law enforcement responded to a motor vehicle crash on Route 80 West in Rockaway Township. Investigators determined that a Mercedes SUV driven by Peters had been traveling east in the westbound lanes when it struck a 2024 Ford pickup truck traveling west.

The driver of the Ford pickup truck, Destinn McKnight, 31, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was pronounced dead at the scene. He was the sole occupant of the vehicle. Peters, who was also alone in his SUV, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Morristown Medical Center. Peters exhibited signs of being under the influence at the scene.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Alyssa DiSturco and Assistant Prosecutor Alexander Bennett. Prosecutor Robert Carroll thanked the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the New Jersey State Police for their work in the investigation.

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PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council voted Tuesday, July 21, to remove Frank Neglia and Dr. Bhagirath Maheta from the Economic Development Advisory Committee.

Council President Judy Hernandez made the motion, which was seconded by Councilman Matthew Kavanagh.

During the roll call vote, Councilman Paul Carifi Jr. voted no, and Councilman Matt McGrath abstained. When Councilman McGrath asked why the removal was being made, Business Administrator Khaled Madin indicated he did not have an answer to give on the record. Kavanagh, Council Vice President Diya Patel and Hernandez voted yes.

The motion passed by a vote of three to one, with one abstention.

Maheta served as Vice Chairman for the past four years. Neglia was recently appointed to the committee in January, after serving four years on the Township Council. Position for Chairman, Vice Chairman and Secretary is elected by the members of the committee.

Chairman Frank Cahill said, “I was unaware of any proposed changes until this evening, when the motion was presented and the Township Council made its decision. My position has always been to serve Parsippany’s business community and help every local business prosper.”

Other committee members include Cahill, Nick Sota, Robert Peluso, Nick Rafanello, Jigar Shah, Raviram Medapati, Cassara Grasso, Steven Mandel and Mahesh Prajapati.

The purpose of the Economic Development Advisory Committee is to serve in an advisory capacity. It shall, upon request of the Township Council, provide information, advice, and recommendations relating to the promotion of economic development in the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills.

The committee shall consist of 11 members, five of whom shall be appointed by the mayor and six of whom shall be appointed by the council.

Members shall have demonstrated an interest in the economic well-being of the township. Each member shall be chosen with a special view to qualifications and fitness for service on the committee. Members shall serve without compensation.

PARSIPPANY — Mayor Pulkit Desai announced his final decision on the contested Forest Drive and Woodland Drive road project, saying the plan will move forward without curb installation or tree removal, following weeks of resident meetings and a deeply divided neighborhood petition.

“Over the past several weeks, I’ve met with residents to walk the neighborhood, review the engineering plans, measure the roadway myself, and listen to everyone’s concerns,” Desai said. “This was not an easy decision, because there wasn’t a clear consensus. After speaking with nearly every resident, including many who shared their thoughts with me privately, and reviewing the petition, it became clear that the neighborhood was almost evenly divided. Some wanted the project to move forward as originally proposed. Others did not.”

“When that happens, the mayor just does not get to sit on a fence,” Desai continued. “My job is to listen, weigh the facts, and make the decision I believe is best for the neighborhood and the township, regardless of whether you call an assemblyman or you call the governor. They have zero input on any of this.”

Desai said the project will focus on paving the roadway, making minor straightening improvements where appropriate, installing traffic-calming measures, and upgrading the underground water infrastructure to current engineering standards.

“There will be no curbs. There will be no trees removed,” Desai said.

He added that the township will go a step further this fall by planting additional trees “to preserve and enhance the rural character that makes this neighborhood so unique,” and will install additional fire hydrants to improve fire protection in the area.

“My job is to listen, weigh the facts, be honest, and make the decision I believe is right for both the neighborhood and the township,” Desai said. “That’s exactly what I’ve done.”

PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners is inviting residents to join the twenty-fifth anniversary Morris County September 11 Remembrance Ceremony on Sunday, September 13, at 7:30 p.m. at the Morris County September 11 Memorial, 460 West Hanover Avenue.

Keynote remarks will be delivered by Dennis Letts, a retired United States Secret Service executive and Tunnel to Towers Foundation ambassador, who was at the World Trade Center in New York City when terrorists carried out the attacks on September 11, 2001. This year marks a quarter century since nearly three thousand people were killed after four commercial airliners were hijacked by terrorists, who flew two planes into the Twin Towers and another into the Pentagon in Washington, District of Columbia. A fourth plane crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers fought to regain control of the aircraft.

This year’s remembrance ceremony will begin after sundown, more than an hour later than in previous years, to accommodate residents observing Rosh Hashanah.

The evening will feature a candlelight vigil, musical tributes, an invocation, the reading of the names of the sixty-four Morris County residents who perished in the attacks, and a procession of firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, veterans and other dignitaries.

About the Keynote Speaker

On the morning of September 11, 2001, Dennis Letts, a United States Secret Service special agent at the time, was exiting the North Tower of the World Trade Center when American Airlines Flight 11 struck the building directly above him. He immediately returned to assist with the evacuation of thousands of occupants and later supported the emergency evacuation of civilians from Lower Manhattan after the towers collapsed. For his extraordinary courage and leadership during the attacks, he was awarded the United States Secret Service Medal of Valor.

The public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs to the ceremony, as seating is limited.

Parking is available at the Morris County Department of Human Services offices, 340 West Hanover Avenue, Morris Township. Shuttle service will be provided to and from the memorial.

Police, fire and rescue departments may participate by sending one apparatus per agency and assembling by 6:00 p.m. at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy, 500 West Hanover Avenue.

The ceremony will also be livestreamed on Facebook at facebook.com/share/19AqWm3TEx.

PARSIPPANY — The Interstate 280 westbound ramp to Interstate 287 and Route 46 in Parsippany-Troy Hills will close overnight from 11:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, to 5:00 a.m. Thursday, July 23, and again during the same hours from Thursday, July 23, to Friday, July 24.

For Route 46, drivers should continue on Interstate 80 westbound express, use Exits 42A-B for Route 202 and Route 46, take Exit 42A to Interstate 80 eastbound, then take Exit 42A for Route 202 northbound and turn left onto Smith Road to reach Route 46.

For Interstate 287, drivers should continue on Interstate 80 westbound express, use Exits 42A-B for Route 202 and Route 46, take Exit 42A to Interstate 80 eastbound, then take Exit 43 for Interstate 287 toward Morristown and Mahwah, and follow signs for Interstate 287 northbound or southbound.

PARSIPPANY — A Parsippany-Troy Hills resident is asking for the public’s help finding a living liver donor after being diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder that has led to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Chris Mazzarella was diagnosed with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (A1AT), a rare genetic condition that causes cirrhosis and has progressed to hepatocellular carcinoma, a form of liver cancer. After consulting with his medical team, Mazzarella has been told that a liver transplant offers his best chance for long-term survival.

Mazzarella is being treated at NYU Langone, one of the nation’s leading transplant centers, and is now searching for a living liver donor to move forward with the procedure.

Living liver donation allows part of a healthy donor’s liver to be transplanted into a recipient. Because the liver is capable of regenerating, both the donor’s and recipient’s livers typically grow back to a normal, functioning size over time. Prospective donors undergo an extensive medical evaluation before being approved, and inquiring about donation carries no obligation to proceed.

Mazzarella, who has kept his diagnosis largely private until now, said he made the decision to go public in hopes that a wider audience might connect him with a match.

“I never imagined I’d have to ask for something like this,” he said. “But I’ve learned that hope often begins with simply asking.”

Those interested in learning more about becoming a living liver donor for Mazzarella can contact NYU Langone’s Living Liver Donor Team directly:

• Phone: (212) 263-8133, Option 4
• Email: [email protected]
• Online: redcap.link/nyuliverdonor

Community members who are unable to donate are encouraged to share Mazzarella’s story, which he says could help it reach a potential match.

PARSIPPANY — Severe thunderstorms tore through North Jersey Tuesday afternoon, spawning a tornado warning for southeastern Morris County and prompting a trained weather spotter to report a tornado on the ground near a driving range in Parsippany.

The National Weather Service’s Mount Holly office issued a tornado warning at 2:57 p.m. Tuesday for an area that included Parsippany, Morristown, Madison, East Hanover, Morris Plains and several surrounding towns, warning of possible flying debris, roof and vehicle damage, and downed trees. The warning came on the heels of a flash flood warning issued minutes earlier for the same area.

According to a report logged through RadarScope Pro, a severe weather tracking service, a trained spotter submitted video of a tornado on the ground near a driving range in the Troy Hills section of Parsippany at approximately 2:43 p.m. Tuesday, with the exact time estimated from radar data.

The National Weather Service also said it is reviewing a video posted on social media showing a funnel cloud touching down on the ground at a golf center in Parsippany, about one mile north of the Troy Hills area, at approximately 2:45 p.m. Tuesday.

The National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly office received a report of a tornado in the area Tuesday afternoon, but said a damage survey would be needed Wednesday to confirm it.

Photos and video circulating online also showed a dark, rotating cloud formation over the area near the Topgolf on Route 46. Professional photographer Michael Ostendorp captured footage of the ominous, rotating clouds over Parsippany, writing that “something was trying to rotate (and touch down?) right over us.” In the video, he can be heard reassuring people nearby that the storm “hasn’t touched down” while children in the background react in alarm.

Parsippany was not alone. Preliminary reports suggest as many as two tornadoes may have touched down elsewhere in Morris County Tuesday, with rotation also spotted over Dover and Florham Park. As is standard, the National Weather Service will need to complete on-the-ground damage surveys before officially confirming any touchdowns.

Check back with Parsippany Focus for updates as the National Weather Service completes its damage assessment.

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Cube Club recently donated a portion of the funds raised through its 2026 speedcubing competition to the Gateway Community Resource Center, recognizing the organization’s continued support of local youth and community programs.

Gateway hosted the club’s competition on June 28, providing space for approximately 100 competitors, family members, volunteers, and spectators. Participants competed in the 3×3 Rubik’s Cube, 2×2 cube, and Pyraminx categories during the four-hour event.

Following the competition, the Parsippany Cube Club presented a donation to Gateway as a way of giving back to the organization that helped make the event possible. The club did not disclose the amount of the contribution.

“Gateway has provided our competitors, volunteers, and families with a welcoming place to gather,” the Parsippany Cube Club said. “We wanted to show our appreciation while also supporting the important work Gateway continues to do in the community.”

The Gateway Community Resource Center works to connect individuals and families with programs, services, and opportunities intended to strengthen the surrounding community. Its facility has also served as a gathering place for educational and youth-centered activities.

The donation reflects the Parsippany Cube Club’s broader mission of using cubing to support both education and community service. Since its founding, PCC has donated more than $30,000 to charitable organizations and community causes while expanding access to cubing programs for students.

In addition to organizing competitions, the club provides lessons, workshops, summer programs, and volunteer opportunities for students interested in learning how to solve Rubik’s Cubes and other puzzles.

The club’s June competition was its largest to date. Competitors of varying ages and experience levels participated, with experienced speedcubers competing alongside students attending their first organized event. Volunteers managed competition rounds, assisted participants, and helped create an encouraging environment throughout the day.

Support from local businesses and organizations also helped make the event possible. Sponsors included Parsippany’s Best Pizza, SpeedCubeShop, Unity Bank, and Highlander Games.

By donating a portion of the competition proceeds to Gateway, the Parsippany Cube Club hopes to continue building partnerships with organizations that provide meaningful resources and opportunities for local residents.

The club plans to continue hosting competitions, workshops, and educational programs for young cubers throughout Parsippany and neighboring communities.

PARSIPPANY — The sound of clicking timers and turning cubes filled the Gateway Community Resource Center in Boonton on Sunday, June 28, as the Parsippany Cube Club hosted its largest Rubik’s Cube competition to date.

Approximately 100 competitors, families, volunteers, and spectators attended the four-hour event, creating a lively atmosphere filled with fast solves, friendly competition, and encouragement. Participants competed in three popular speedcubing categories: the classic 3×3 Rubik’s Cube, the smaller and faster 2×2 cube, and the pyramid-shaped Pyraminx.

Competitors of different ages and experience levels sat side by side, attempting to improve their times and earn a place on the podium. Between rounds, cubers compared techniques, practiced algorithms, scrambled puzzles for one another, and celebrated new personal bests.

The competition marked another milestone for the Parsippany Cube Club, which was founded by Nick Sota and has continued to grow through private lessons, online coaching, summer camps, workshops, and community events. The club helps students progress from completing their first solve to preparing for timed competitions.

Competition Results

In the 3×3 competition, Owen Li earned first place, followed by Adam Chan in second place and Rafael Alchanaa in third.

Alchanaa captured first place in the 2×2 competition, while Chan finished second and Li placed third.

In the Pyraminx competition, Chan took the top position. William Safer earned second place, and Eric Jia finished third.

Fastest Solves

Several competitors also delivered impressive individual solve times during the event.

Alchanaa recorded the fastest 3×3 single solve of the day at 10.26 seconds and the fastest 2×2 solve at just 2.18 seconds. Chan completed the fastest Pyraminx solve with a time of 6.17 seconds.

Beyond the final standings, the competition reflected the welcoming spirit that has helped the local cubing community expand. Families cheered from the sidelines, experienced competitors encouraged newcomers, and participants congratulated one another as each round concluded.

The event was made possible with support from four sponsors: Parsippany’s Best Pizza, SpeedCubeShop, Unity Bank, and Highlander Games. Their contributions helped provide resources for the competition and supported the club’s goal of keeping cubing opportunities accessible to local children and families.

A portion of the funds raised through the competition was donated to the Gateway Community Resource Center in appreciation of the organization’s continued support and for hosting the event. Gateway has served as the location for several Parsippany Cube Club competitions, providing a welcoming space for competitors, families, and volunteers.

With attendance growing from previous years and participants continuing to improve their solve times, the 2026 competition demonstrated the expanding interest in speedcubing throughout Parsippany and neighboring communities.

For information about future competitions, lessons, summer camps, volunteer opportunities, or sponsorships, visit the Parsippany Cube Club’s official website.

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Library will host a special author visit with Nita Prose, the number one New York Times bestselling author of the Molly the Maid series, on Thursday, October 15, at the Main Library.

Community members are encouraged to save the date for the literary event, with registration details to be announced in the coming weeks.

Known for her internationally acclaimed Molly the Maid mysteries, Prose has captivated millions of readers with unforgettable characters, compelling storytelling and heartfelt mysteries that have become favorites among readers around the world. During the evening, attendees will have the opportunity to hear Prose discuss her writing journey, the inspiration behind her bestselling novels, and the stories that have made Molly Gray one of today’s most beloved fictional characters.

“We are thrilled to welcome Nita Prose to the Parsippany Library,” said Melissa Kuzma, Library Director. “Her novels have connected readers across generations, and we look forward to bringing our community together for an evening that celebrates books, storytelling, and the joy of reading.”

Whether attendees have followed Molly Gray from the very beginning or are discovering her books for the first time, the author visit offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from one of today’s most celebrated mystery writers.

Save the Date

Author Visit with Nita Prose
Thursday, October 15, 2026
7:00 p.m.
Parsippany Library, Main Library
449 Halsey Road
Parsippany

Community members are encouraged to follow the Parsippany Library on social media and visit parsippanylibrary.org for updates as the event approaches. Registration is available at live-parsippany.pantheonsite.io/event/nita-prose-author-talk.

For more information about Parsippany Library, visit www.parsippanylibrary.org or call (973) 887-5150.

About Parsippany Library

The Parsippany Library serves a vibrant and diverse community of more than 56,000 residents across three locations: Parsippany, Lake Hiawatha and Mount Tabor. As a hub for information, education and entertainment, the Library provides access to a wide range of resources, including books, media and digital collections. Through its membership in the Main Library Alliance, patrons also have borrowing access to materials from over 50 libraries across Essex, Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, Union and Warren counties. Committed to lifelong learning and community enrichment, the Parsippany Library offers a robust calendar of programs, from classes and workshops to cultural and civic events, that support health, creativity and connection. Learn more at parsippanylibrary.org, where visitors can find current hours, services and upcoming programs.

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Summer Concert Series drew a large crowd to Veterans Memorial Park on Monday, July 20, as clear skies and warm weather set the stage for a performance by the yacht rock band Suit and Mai Tai.

Suit and Mai Tai brought the smooth, high-energy sounds of the 1970s and 1980s, drawing comparisons to Christopher Cross, Fleetwood Mac, Toto and Steely Dan, with an added rocking edge.

Gates opened at 6:00 p.m. for food trucks, free games and amusements, with music beginning at 7:30 p.m. The free, family-friendly event drew attendees who brought lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the evening on the lawn.

Gates opened at 6:00 p.m. for food trucks, free games and amusements, with music beginning at 7:30 p.m. The free, family-friendly event drew attendees who brought lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the evening on the lawn. Pets were not permitted at the event.

The Summer Concert Series is sponsored in part by Provident Bank.