Volodymyr Zhukovskyy found not guilty in crash that killed 7 motorcyclists in Randolph
Zhukovskyy faced negligent homicide, manslaughter charges
Zhukovskyy faced negligent homicide, manslaughter charges
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 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:
- Judge gives final instructions to jury before deliberations begin
- Closings: Jury instructions | Defense | Prosecution
- Judge rejects final defense motion to dismiss
- Day 10 of testimony: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4
- Day 9 of testimony: 2 troopers testify | Hearing over instructions
- Day 8 of testimony: Defense begins case
- Day 7 of testimony: Part 1 | Part 2 | Defense motions to dismiss | Judge dismisses some charges
- Day 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 4
- Day 4 of testimony: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6
- Day 3 of testimony: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4
- Day 2 of testimony: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4
- Day 1 of testimony: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
- Opening statements: Prosecution | Defense
- Jury view instructions: Judge speaks to jurors; both sides give statements
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:
- 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:
- 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