Family Questions Police Response in NJ Suicide Crash

The family of the two men killed by a 15-year-old driver who police say was committing suicide wonder whether the crash could have been prevented

The family of two men who were killed in a New Jersey crash classified by investigators as a suicide-homicide say they only have more questions as they continue to grieve. 

Authorities say a 15-year-old boy was driving on Route 27 in Edison Township at around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday when he crossed into oncoming traffic and slammed into a car carrying 46-year-old Mohammed Zia and his 35-year-old nephew Ali Behzad. All three were killed. 

Investigators ruled the crash a suicide-homicide after they found a note on the 15-year-old boy, whose name has not been released by police. 

Zia's son, Mobeen Zia, believes people called 911 to report the underage driver was speeding and that he may have even sped right past the police station. 

"I just want to know if they could have prevented it,' said Zia. 

The Middlesex prosecutor's office couldn't confirm if they were looking into possible reports the teen was speeding. 

"He didn't have to go murder people," Zia said of the boy. "It feels like murder." 

Mohammed Zia was a father to four children; Behzad had three.

"His youngest son is three years old," said relative Anil Zia. "How are we gonna tell him, when he calls for 'Papa, papa,' how are we gonna tell him, 'Your papa's not here?'" 

A memorial now sits at the crash site, and visitors are remembering all three people who died on Route 27, including the boy, who was a student at J.P. Stevens High School. 

Officials at the school released a statement saying the community was "deeply saddened" by the loss. 

For their own loss, the Zia family is turning to prayer until they fully understand why the tragedy happened. 

"We don't have anger against the 15-year-old boy that was there," said Anil Zia. "He had his own problems, we will also pray for him. God forgive him for the sin he did."

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