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Volodymyr Zhukovskyy found not guilty in crash that killed 7 motorcyclists in Randolph

Zhukovskyy faced negligent homicide, manslaughter charges

Volodymyr Zhukovskyy found not guilty in crash that killed 7 motorcyclists in Randolph

Zhukovskyy faced negligent homicide, manslaughter charges

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Volodymyr Zhukovskyy found not guilty in crash that killed 7 motorcyclists in Randolph

Zhukovskyy faced negligent homicide, manslaughter charges

A truck driver has been found not guilty of manslaughter or negligent homicide in connection with the deaths of seven motorcyclists in a 2019 crash in Randolph.It took the jury about two hours to reach a verdict on the 15 charges Volodymyr Zhukovskyy faced.Zhukovskyy faced seven counts of manslaughter and seven counts of negligent homicide, in addition to a charge of reckless conduct. He was found not guilty on all charges.Jurors received the case shortly before noon Tuesday, and the verdict was scheduled read at about 2:40 p.m. The judge previously dismissed charges of manslaughter and negligent homicide that alleged Zhukovskyy was impaired at the time of the crash. The remaining charges related to accusations that Zhukovskyy was acting recklessly at the time of the crash.Before closing arguments were delivered Tuesday morning, and out of the presence of the jury, the defense moved to dismiss the charges or have the judge order a verdict of not guilty, arguing that the state hadn't proven the case beyond a reasonable doubt. That motion was denied.>> Timeline: Zhukovskyy's driving history; see how case has evolvedZhukovskyy is facing charges including negligent homicide and manslaughter for allegedly causing the crash on Route 2 in Randolph.Defense attorney Jay Duguay began his closing argument by placing the blame for the accident squarely on the lead motorcyclist for the Jarheads Motorcycle Club, Al Mazza, who was killed in the crash. Duguay said Mazza was drunk and drifted over the center line and into the path of Zhukovskyy's truck.The defense attempted to discredit witness testimony, especially from the Jarheads, pointing out inconsistencies in their testimony, including how much people had been drinking that day."From the beginning of this investigation, the state had made up their mind about what had happened, evidence be damned," Duguay said. "They came to erroneous conclusions about how the accident occurred within 24 hours of the accident and didn't even pretend to conduct an actual investigation."Prosecutors said it was clear who caused the crash, saying Zhukovskyy's fault was corroborated by the testimony of eyewitnesses and the words of the defendant in an interview. "In his own words, (he said) that he crossed the line, just a little bit — he made sure to qualify, 'just a little bit' — and then he hit those motorcycles that were right there," said Assistant Attorney General Scott Chase. "You'll have that interview. Go through it again."Trial videos:Judge gives final instructions to jury before deliberations beginClosings: Jury instructions | Defense | ProsecutionJudge rejects final defense motion to dismiss Day 10 of testimony: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4Day 9 of testimony: 2 troopers testify | Hearing over instructionsDay 8 of testimony: Defense begins caseDay 7 of testimony: Part 1 | Part 2 | Defense motions to dismiss | Judge dismisses some chargesDay 6 of testimony: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 (WARNING: Language used during the Day 6 proceedings contains expletives. Viewer discretion is advised)Day 5 of testimony: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4Day 4 of testimony: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6Day 3 of testimony: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4Day 2 of testimony: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4Day 1 of testimony: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3Opening statements: Prosecution | DefenseJury view instructions: Judge speaks to jurors; both sides give statementsZhukovskyy was facing charges including negligent homicide, manslaughter and reckless conduct in connection with the crash that resulted in the deaths of seven members of the Jarheads Motorcycle Club:Michael Ferazzi, 62, of ContoocookAlbert Mazza, 59, of LeeDesma Oakes, 42, of ConcordAaron Perry, 45, of FarmingtonDaniel Pereira, 58, of Riverside, Rhode IslandJo-Ann and Edward Corr, both 58, of Lakeville, MassachusettsPrevious trial coverage:Day 10: Defense rests in trial of man charged in Randolph motorcycle crash Day 9: Pair of defense witnesses testify at Randolph motorcycle crash trial Day 8: Defense begins case in Randolph motorcycle crash trial Day 7: Judge dismisses 8 charges against Zhukovskyy; 15 charges remain Day 6: Video of police interview with defendant played at Randolph motorcycle crash trial Day 5: Toxicology expert testifies as Randolph motorcycle crash trial continues for second week Day 4: Police interview with man accused of causing crash that killed 7 played in court Day 3: First responders testify about suspect's behavior after Randolph crash that killed 7 Day 2: Witnesses testify about crash that killed 7 motorcyclists on second day of trial Day 1: Witnesses describe scene of crash that killed 7 motorcyclists as trial begins Jury view: Volodymyr Zhukovskyy trial jurors receive instructions, view crash scene

A truck driver has been found not guilty of manslaughter or negligent homicide in connection with the deaths of seven motorcyclists in a 2019 crash in Randolph.

It took the jury about two hours to reach a verdict on the 15 charges Volodymyr Zhukovskyy faced.

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Zhukovskyy faced seven counts of manslaughter and seven counts of negligent homicide, in addition to a charge of reckless conduct. He was found not guilty on all charges.

Jurors received the case shortly before noon Tuesday, and the verdict was scheduled read at about 2:40 p.m.

The judge previously dismissed charges of manslaughter and negligent homicide that alleged Zhukovskyy was impaired at the time of the crash. The remaining charges related to accusations that Zhukovskyy was acting recklessly at the time of the crash.

Before closing arguments were delivered Tuesday morning, and out of the presence of the jury, the defense moved to dismiss the charges or have the judge order a verdict of not guilty, arguing that the state hadn't proven the case beyond a reasonable doubt. That motion was denied.

>> Timeline: Zhukovskyy's driving history; see how case has evolved

Zhukovskyy is facing charges including negligent homicide and manslaughter for allegedly causing the crash on Route 2 in Randolph.

Defense attorney Jay Duguay began his closing argument by placing the blame for the accident squarely on the lead motorcyclist for the Jarheads Motorcycle Club, Al Mazza, who was killed in the crash. Duguay said Mazza was drunk and drifted over the center line and into the path of Zhukovskyy's truck.

The defense attempted to discredit witness testimony, especially from the Jarheads, pointing out inconsistencies in their testimony, including how much people had been drinking that day.

"From the beginning of this investigation, the state had made up their mind about what had happened, evidence be damned," Duguay said. "They came to erroneous conclusions about how the accident occurred within 24 hours of the accident and didn't even pretend to conduct an actual investigation."

Prosecutors said it was clear who caused the crash, saying Zhukovskyy's fault was corroborated by the testimony of eyewitnesses and the words of the defendant in an interview.

"In his own words, (he said) that he crossed the line, just a little bit — he made sure to qualify, 'just a little bit' — and then he hit those motorcycles that were right there," said Assistant Attorney General Scott Chase. "You'll have that interview. Go through it again."

Trial videos:

Zhukovskyy was facing charges including negligent homicide, manslaughter and reckless conduct in connection with the crash that resulted in the deaths of seven members of the Jarheads Motorcycle Club:

7 people were killed in a crash on Route 2 in Randolph
WMUR
  • Michael Ferazzi, 62, of Contoocook
  • Albert Mazza, 59, of Lee
  • Desma Oakes, 42, of Concord
  • Aaron Perry, 45, of Farmington
  • Daniel Pereira, 58, of Riverside, Rhode Island
  • Jo-Ann and Edward Corr, both 58, of Lakeville, Massachusetts

Previous trial coverage: