Two Guilty In Hit-And-Run That Left 14-Year-Old Critical

POINT PLEASANT BORO – Two individuals have pled guilty more than a year after the tragic hit-and-run seriously injured a Point Pleasant Boro teen.

On Dec. 2, 2019, Brittany Keifer of Point Pleasant and Kyle Ramos of Seaside Heights pleaded guilty to their roles in the Aug. 9, 2018 crash that left 14-year-old Emma Mae Gnolfo in critical condition, according to police.

Today, 480 days since the incident, Emma Mae’s mother Stephanie Gnolfo spoke out to Jersey Shore Online.

“It’s been a very emotional morning having to sit there and listen to it all and relive that day, but they finally admitted being guilty and sentencing is scheduled for February 7th,” said Gnolfo. “Hopefully justice will truly be served in their sentencing.”

Gnolfo added that a “weight had been lifted” from her family’s shoulders with this news.

“Thank you to everyone for all the love and support. Means the world to Emma and myself.”

On Aug. 9, 2018, Emma Mae and two friends were riding their bicycles at 10:30 p.m. when they attempted to cross Route 88 at Sunset Avenue. They looked all ways, and believing it was clear, the two friends started to cross. However, Emma Mae was hit by what was described as a dark sedan.

Emma Mae was thrown onto the hood of the vehicle where she was carried on the car for a time before being thrown off, police stated.

The car then continued eastbound on Route 88 and fled the scene. Emma Mae was then transported to Jersey Shore Medical Center for treatment.

Keifer, later identified as the driver in the incident, turned herself into police later that day accompanied by an attorney after returning home in her car and hiding it under a tarp.

Ramos was initially charged with fourth-degree hindering the apprehension of another person, police said.

Following the incident in 2018, Emma Mae’s mother told Jersey Shore Online that,“Emma’s ultimate goal is to get better and get out of the hospital. She hopes to start her journey of high school and hopes to be able to cheer again. For now, we need to concentrate on getting her better so we can try and make those things possible.”

Over a year later, Gnolfo reports that Emma Mae is doing much better.

“She is physically ok, she will need another surgery to her shoulder at some point. “Mentally it’s a struggle some days,” she said.

“I am hoping that once sentencing is over that will help her and she can put it behind her as best she can,” she said.