Marion Man Arrested in Fatal Newark Motorcycle Crash

A Marion man has been arrested in connection with a fatal motorcycle crash that occurred in Newark last November.

Justin S. Krocke, 37, turned himself in to the Newark Police Department on January 23, accompanied by his attorney. He has been charged with second-degree manslaughter, second-degree vehicular manslaughter, driving while impaired by drugs, reckless driving, and multiple traffic violations.

The charges stem from an investigation into a November 7, 2024, crash on West Union Street in Newark. According to police, Krocke was operating a motorcycle while allegedly impaired by drugs when he attempted to pass stopped vehicles by driving onto the sidewalk. As he tried to re-enter the roadway, he lost control of the motorcycle, causing his passenger, 36-year-old Kelley Smith of Marion, to be thrown from the vehicle. She suffered severe injuries and was pronounced dead at Newark-Wayne Community Hospital.

Krocke sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital for treatment.

The Newark Police Department, along with the Wayne County Crash Team, conducted an extensive investigation into the incident. Authorities confirmed that Krocke’s impairment was a contributing factor in the crash.

The case is now moving through the legal system, with Krocke facing felony and misdemeanor charges. Further court proceedings are expected in the coming weeks.