Volodymyr Zhukovskyy found not guilty in crash that killed 7 motorcyclists in Randolph crash
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.
New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu issued the following statement on Tuesday afternoon regarding the verdict:
“The Fallen Seven did not receive justice today, and that is an absolute tragedy,” said Gov. Sununu. “I share in the shock, outrage, and anger that so many have expressed in the three years since the seven members of the Jarheads Motorcycle Club were taken from us. My heart goes out to their families, friends, and loved ones on this especially dark day.”
>> Timeline: Zhukovskyy's driving history; see how case has evolved
CLOSING ARGUMENTS
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.
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
- 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