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: Chilean crew believed to be behind 12 break-ins at high-end Nassau homes
Police: Chilean crew believed to be behind 12 break-ins at high-end Nassau homes
Nassau police say this home burglary is just the latest in a string of break-ins on both the North and South shores over the last three months.Nassau police say this home burglary is just the latest in a string of break-ins on both the North and South shores over the last three months.Progress? Yes, yes, yes! New Isles arena at Belmont Park takes shape
Progress? Yes, yes, yes! New Isles arena at Belmont Park takes shape
Chopper 12 was overhead Friday for a look progress on the new arena as construction continues.Chopper 12 was overhead Friday for a look progress on the new arena as construction continues.'It's happening': Unscripted 'Friends' reunion special is in the works
'It's happening': Unscripted 'Friends' reunion special is in the works
A reunion has been long-sought by fans of the NBC series, which ended its 236-episode run in 2004.A reunion has been long-sought by fans of the NBC series, which ended its 236-episode run in 2004.Gov. Cuomo plans cross-country tour for marijuana legalization research
Gov. Cuomo plans cross-country tour for marijuana legalization research
Gov. Andrew Cuomo is renewing his push to legalize adult use of marijuana -- but before working on a proposal, he's planning to do research in states where it is already legal.Gov. Andrew Cuomo is renewing his push to legalize adult use of marijuana -- but before working on a proposal, he's planning to do research in states where it is already legal.New Hyde Park family calls for suspected dealer to be charged with murder in son's overdose
New Hyde Park family calls for suspected dealer to be charged with murder in son's overdose
After losing their son to a drug overdose during the holiday season, a New Hyde Park couple is calling on the suspected drug dealer who allegedly sold their 18-year-old fentanyl-laced heroin to be charged with murder.After losing their son to a drug overdose during the holiday season, a New Hyde Park couple is calling on the suspected drug dealer who allegedly sold their 18-year-old fentanyl-laced heroin to be charged with murder.
CrimeMore>>
New Hyde Park family calls for suspected dealer to be charged with murder in son's overdose
New Hyde Park family calls for suspected dealer to be charged with murder in son's overdose
After losing their son to a drug overdose during the holiday season, a New Hyde Park couple is calling on the suspected drug dealer who allegedly sold their 18-year-old fentanyl-laced heroin to be charged with murder.After losing their son to a drug overdose during the holiday season, a New Hyde Park couple is calling on the suspected drug dealer who allegedly sold their 18-year-old fentanyl-laced heroin to be charged with murder.Police: Chilean crew believed to be behind 12 break-ins at high-end Nassau homes
Police: Chilean crew believed to be behind 12 break-ins at high-end Nassau homes
Nassau police say this home burglary is just the latest in a string of break-ins on both the North and South shores over the last three months.Nassau police say this home burglary is just the latest in a string of break-ins on both the North and South shores over the last three months.Nassau teen charged in death of MS-13 witness to be tried as an adult
Nassau teen charged in death of MS-13 witness to be tried as an adult
A Nassau teen who police say confessed to the fatal beating of a witness in an MS-13 trial will be charged as an adult.
A Nassau teen who police say confessed to the fatal beating of a witness in an MS-13 trial will be charged as an adult.
A Nassau teen who police say confessed to the fatal beating of a witness in an MS-13 trial will be charged as an adult.A Nassau teen who police say confessed to the fatal beating of a witness in an MS-13 trial will be charged as an adult.DA Sini: Man treated patients without license or training at Smithtown clinic
DA Sini: Man treated patients without license or training at Smithtown clinic
A Smithtown medical clinic was shuttered and its owner was arrested for allegedly treating patients without a medical license or any medical training.
A Smithtown medical clinic was shuttered and its owner was arrested for allegedly treating patients without a medical license or any medical training.
A Suffolk County District Attorney's Office and DEA investigation targeted Men's Health of Smithtown and its owner, Brian Michael Kaufman.A Suffolk County District Attorney's Office and DEA investigation targeted Men's Health of Smithtown and its owner, Brian Michael Kaufman.Police arrest man accused of striking 2 pedestrians in Bay Shore, fleeing scene
Police arrest man accused of striking 2 pedestrians in Bay Shore, fleeing scene
Police have arrested a Bay Shore man who is accused of striking two pedestrians with his vehicle and fleeing the scene.
Police have arrested a Bay Shore man who is accused of striking two pedestrians with his vehicle and fleeing the scene.
Police have arrested a Bay Shore man who is accused of striking two pedestrians with his vehicle and fleeing the scene.Police have arrested a Bay Shore man who is accused of striking two pedestrians with his vehicle and fleeing the scene.
SlideshowsGalleriesMore>>
Islanders retire John Tonelli's No. 27
Islanders retire John Tonelli's No. 27
The four-time Stanley Cup champion had his number retired in front of a Nassau Coliseum crowd Friday night.The four-time Stanley Cup champion had his number retired in front of a Nassau Coliseum crowd Friday night.Progress? Yes, yes, yes! New Isles arena at Belmont Park takes shape
Progress? Yes, yes, yes! New Isles arena at Belmont Park takes shape
Chopper 12 was overhead Friday for a look progress on the new arena as construction continues.Chopper 12 was overhead Friday for a look progress on the new arena as construction continues.Dog Day Fridays for Feb. 21
Dog Day Fridays for Feb. 21
This week's dogs are up for adoption at Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter. They brought three puppies!This week's dogs are up for adoption at Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter. They brought three puppies!National Love Your Pet Day 2020 Photos
National Love Your Pet Day 2020 Photos
Jack the Dog relaxing in bed.
Jack the Dog relaxing in bed.
Send us photos of all of the pets you love!Send us photos of all of the pets you love!2020 New York Mets Spring Training
2020 New York Mets Spring Training
Baseball season is right around the corner, and the Mets have reported to their spring training facility. Take a look at some of the sights from Port St. Lucie, Florida.Baseball season is right around the corner, and the Mets have reported to their spring training facility. Take a look at some of the sights from Port St. Lucie, Florida.
