Rowan Student Involved in Fatal DWI Crash Had Interlock Device Removed Months Before Incident
GLASSBORO, NJ – A Rowan University student charged in connection with a fatal drunk driving crash had a court-ordered ignition interlock device removed from his vehicle months prior to the incident, authorities revealed during a recent court hearing. Rowan student Joseph Lowry, 21, is facing charges related to the death of 19-year-old Gabriella Rodriguez, who died after the vehicle Lowry was driving crashed on Delsea Drive in Glassboro on Sept. 2.
The revelation came during a hearing where Superior Court Judge Robert V. Silvanio outlined the conditions of Lowry’s release, which include weekly court reporting, completion of an inpatient treatment program, and surrender of his driver’s license until the case is resolved. Following completion of treatment, lowry will be subject to a 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew.
Details regarding the removal of the interlock device, initially mandated due to a prior DWI offense, were not immediately disclosed. However, Judge Silvanio emphasized the tragedy was preventable, citing the widespread availability of alternative transportation options like ride-hailing services.
“Obviously this is a tragic incident, but it’s a preventable incident,” Silvanio said. “And it was preventable as, in today’s day and age, there are many options that young people as well as older people have to get around.”
Rodriguez, a student at Rider University, was a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the crash. Lowry is scheduled to return to court on Oct. 9 for a pre-indictment hearing.
Judge Silvanio expressed hope that the case would serve as a warning about the dangers of drinking and driving, noting the frequency with which such incidents occur in southern New Jersey and throughout the state. “Unluckily,this is something that we see day in and day out all over southern New Jersey and other parts of our state,” he said. “And obviously, at 21 years old, Mr. Lowry is going to have to carry this for the rest of his life.”
