Friends of man accused of killing Boy Scout deliver explosive testimony
Posted: Updated:Explosive testimony was delivered Wednesday in the trial of a man accused of driving drunk and killing a 12-year-old Boy Scout.
Authorities say Thomas Murphy, 60, was driving drunk in September last year when he slammed his Mercedes into 12-year-old Andrew McMorris and a group of Boy Scouts on a hike.
Robert Dougherty, an assistant scoutmaster, testified about what happened that day and described the moments when the crash happened. Dougherty told the jury that he never saw any of the Scouts walking in the roadway from where he was in the back. He said when he went to see what happened after the crash, he heard Murphy say "Oh...(Expletive)...I'm in trouble."
Also taking the stand was Murphy's longtime friend and golf buddy Steven Meola. He told the jury that he saw Murphy have several vodka drinks that day. He also testified that Murphy only played six holes of golf and was having trouble walking and slurring his words. When it was time to leave the golf course, Meola told the jury he said, "I told him I should drive home...cause I didn't think he was fit to drive."
"My heart breaks every day over the immeasurable loss of my child," says Alissa McMorris. "And today it breaks even more with these poor boys and men having to go through and relive this nightmare over and over again."
MORE: Trial begins for man accused of driving drunk, killing Boy Scout in Manorville
MORE: Report: Cop testifies man charged in Scout's death nearly fell during sobriety test
Defense attorney Stephen Politi argued that his client wasn't drunk and that this was a tragic accident caused by a group of poorly supervised Scouts who wandered into the roadway.
"I don't believe they were hit in the shoulder," says Politi. "I believe the testimony from Mr. Dougherty was pretty clear. The boys were allowed to freely flow, change positions. The adults changed positions as the conversations flowed. And the original order of the hike is not something that was kept."
Murphy has pleaded not guilty to a 16-count indictment that includes aggravated vehicular homicide.
NewsMore>>
Police: Brentwood teen fatally stabbed mom during argument
Police: Brentwood teen fatally stabbed mom during argument
According to police, the incident happened around 6 a.m. Sunday when they got into an argument inside of an SUV outside their home.According to police, the incident happened around 6 a.m. Sunday when they got into an argument inside of an SUV outside their home.Some charges dropped by judge in case against driver in Boy Scout death
Some charges dropped by judge in case against driver in Boy Scout death
Four of the 12 charges Thomas Murphy faced have been tossed out.Four of the 16 charges Thomas Murphy faced have been tossed out.Sounds of the Season: Vote on the Top 12!
Sounds of the Season: Vote on the Top 12!
It’s time for your talented stars to share their gift with Long Island.
It’s time for your talented stars to share their gift with Long Island.
Southold moves closer to decision on new hotel and restaurant
Southold moves closer to decision on new hotel and restaurant
The Southold Zoning Board of Appeals moved one step closer to a decision about a new hotel and restaurant in town.
The Southold Zoning Board of Appeals moved one step closer to a decision about a new hotel and restaurant in town.
The Southold Zoning Board of Appeals moved one step closer to a decision about a new hotel and restaurant in town.The Southold Zoning Board of Appeals moved one step closer to a decision about a new hotel and restaurant in town.Local singers bring 'Opera Under the Arch' to NYC
Local singers bring 'Opera Under the Arch' to NYC
Pianist Colin Huggins and Baritone Sung Shin have been performing together at Washington Square Park for six years.Pianist Colin Huggins and Baritone Sung Shin have been performing together at Washington Square Park for six years.
CrimeMore>>
Some charges dropped by judge in case against driver in Boy Scout death
Some charges dropped by judge in case against driver in Boy Scout death
Four of the 12 charges Thomas Murphy faced have been tossed out.Four of the 16 charges Thomas Murphy faced have been tossed out.Police: Brentwood teen fatally stabbed mom during argument
Police: Brentwood teen fatally stabbed mom during argument
According to police, the incident happened around 6 a.m. Sunday when they got into an argument inside of an SUV outside their home.According to police, the incident happened around 6 a.m. Sunday when they got into an argument inside of an SUV outside their home.Police: 2 men broke into East Meadow smoke shop and stole e-cigarettes
Police: 2 men broke into East Meadow smoke shop and stole e-cigarettes
Police are searching for the two men who broke into an East Meadow smoke shop and stole e-cigarettes.Police are searching for the two men who broke into an East Meadow smoke shop and stole e-cigarettes.Police: Woman fatally stabbed by son while sitting in car in Brentwood
Police: Woman fatally stabbed by son while sitting in car in Brentwood
Police say a woman was fatally stabbed by her son while sitting in a parked car in Brentwood Sunday morning.Police say a woman was fatally stabbed by her son while sitting in a parked car in Brentwood Sunday morning.Multiple people injured after armed home invasion in Riverhead
Multiple people injured after armed home invasion in Riverhead
Riverhead police are investigating what witnesses say was a violent home invasion at an apartment complex Sunday morning.Riverhead police are investigating what witnesses say was a violent home invasion at an apartment complex Sunday morning.
SlideshowsGalleriesMore>>
Dog Day Fridays for Dec. 6
Dog Day Fridays for Dec. 6
Manny is a 5-month-old male, Lab/Spaniel mix from Texas. He's an extremely playful, energetic and bouncy pup. He would thrive in a high energy home!
Manny is a 5-month-old male, Lab/Spaniel mix from Texas. He's an extremely playful, energetic and bouncy pup. He would thrive in a high energy home!
This week's dogs are up for adoption at Kent Animal Shelter. The shelter is located at 2259 River Road Calverton, NY 11933. Their phone number is 631-727-5731.This week's dogs are up for adoption at Kent Animal Shelter. The shelter is located at 2259 River Road Calverton, NY 11933. Their phone number is 631-727-5731.Chinese lantern festival lights up the sky above Citi Field for the holiday season
Chinese lantern festival lights up the sky above Citi Field for the holiday season
A new lantern festival has taken over Citi Field, lighting up the sky starting Friday.A new lantern festival has taken over Citi Field, lighting up the sky starting Friday.Your Long Island 2019 Holiday Photos
Your Long Island 2019 Holiday Photos
From sparking holiday lights to fun Santa photos, News 12 wants to see your holiday photos!From sparking holiday lights to fun Santa photos, News 12 wants to see your holiday photos!2019 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
2019 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
The 87th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019 in New York.The 87th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019 in New York.Your December 2019 Storm Photos
Your December 2019 Storm Photos
Do you have photos of the winter storm from the December 2019 storm? We want to see!Do you have photos of the winter storm from the December 2019 storm? We want to see!