Plea deal decision delayed for suspected Boy Scout killer

A Holbrook man accused of drunkenly plowing into a Boy Scout troop and killing a 12-year-old member refused to take a plea deal in court Tuesday, saying he needed more time to consider it.

News 12 Staff

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Apr 2, 2019, 3:38 PM

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Updated 2,210 days ago

A Holbrook man accused of drunkenly plowing into a Boy Scout troop and killing a 12-year-old member refused to take a plea deal in court Tuesday, saying he needed more time to consider it.

News 12 reported that Thomas Murphy had a blood-alcohol level of .13 hours after the crash. Prosecutors say Murphy began drinking vodka at 9 a.m. at the Swan Lake Golf Club in Manorville. When he went to leave, officials say a sober patron offered to drive but Murphy refused.

The incident occurred on David Terry Road on Sept. 30. Police say the Scouts were walking single file on the shoulder of the road when they were struck by a Mercedes driven by Murphy.

Five boys, between 12 and 16 years old, were taken to the hospital. Andrew McMorris, 12, was killed.

Murphy is facing charges that include aggravated vehicular homicide, vehicular manslaughter, vehicular assault, aggravated DWI and reckless endangerment.

In court Tuesday, attorney Stephen McCarthy read a statement from Murphy, saying, "I ask respectfully that those who come to court allow myself and my family the time to fully evaluate my case and my role in this tragic accident."

The judge was frustrated by the delay, saying, "At this point, I must tell you I'm out of patience. ... I will not have it." The judge added, "there will be no more delays."

McMorris' mother says she expects to see justice for her slain boy.

The judge is giving Murphy until May 2 to decide if he'll plead guilty.

If Murphy doesn't take the plea deal on May 2, he would go to trial in June and could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted.