Sean B. Mamakas, the 32-year-old resident of Kempton, Pennsylvania, who is facing multiple charges for causing the death of a New Jersey motorcyclist, had been charged by the New York Police Department during the 2010 holiday shopping season as a suspect in a series of purse snatchings.
On August 13, 2024, Mamakas was involved in a fatal incident on Interstate 80 in Warren County, New Jersey.
According to authorities, New Jersey State Police Trooper Christopher Bird attempted to stop Mamakas’ SUV near milepost 11.
Instead of pulling over, Mamakas exited the highway at Exit 12, continued onto County Road 521 South in Hope Township, and collided with the rear of a motorcycle operated by 76-year-old Michael J. Ceddia Jr. of Hackettstown, New Jersey.
The impact caused Ceddia to be ejected from his motorcycle, resulting in his death at the scene. Mamakas’ SUV then veered off the road and ended up in a wooded area. He was subsequently treated for minor injuries at Hackettstown Medical Center before being taken into custody.
The lifelong native of Hackettstown, a Harley Davidson enthusiast, and a rock gardener extraordinaire, Ceddia was a beloved grandfather, father, uncle, brother, and friend.
Upon graduating from Hackettstown High School, Ceddia enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a Boatswain’s Mate Third Class during the Vietnam War from 1966-1972. Michael was a member of the VFW post 7859 in Independence, the Hackettstown Legion, and the Antique Motorcycle Club of America.
Mamakas faces multiple charges including aggravated manslaughter, vehicular homicide, eluding police, and aggravated assault. In New Jersey, first-degree aggravated manslaughter is punishable by up to 30 years in state prison, while second-degree charges carry a maximum sentence of 10 years. These charges are allegations, and Mamakas is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
In a related development, Mamakas had previously come to the attention of the NYPD during the 2010 holiday season. At that time, he was identified as a suspect in a series of purse snatchings.
Mamakas, then an 18-year-old from Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, was linked to three incidents of theft that occurred in early December.
According to reports, Mamakas was charged in connection with three incidents of purse theft in early December 2010.
The victims included an 89-year-old woman and two other individuals who were targeted in quick succession.
The NYPD’s 61st and 60th precincts worked together to apprehend him after a coordinated response to his criminal activities, which had raised significant concerns during the busy shopping period.