A truck driver was acquitted of all charges in the deaths of seven motorcycle riders.
Volodymyr Zhukovskyy was charged with negligent homicide and manslaughter in connection with a crash on Route 2 in New Hampshire.
After more than two weeks of testimony, jurors returned the verdict just before 3 pm.
After all of the verdicts were read, the man broke down in tears as he pointed to the sky.
According to prosecutors, the man, who had taken heroin, fentanyl and cocaine that day, repeatedly swerving back and forth before the crash, told police he caused it. His attorney blamed the lead biker, Albert "Woody" Mazza, for the crash because he lost control of his motorcycle and collided with the truck.
Outside of court, Scott Chase said that he was disappointed. Looking at the facts, we believed they were enough to prove the charges. Our hearts go out to the victims' families as well as the community, but we respect the jury's verdict.
The defense team didn't talk to reporters after the verdict.
Chase told the jury there was no doubt who caused the fatal collision.
Chase said that what happened here isn't a mystery.
Chase said that since day one, every single witness including the man with the front row seat has told you exactly what happened.
It isn't a mystery. Chase said it wasn't a whodunit. We have heard many excuses, but it is clear who caused this crash.
The Jarheads Motorcycle Club was involved in one of the worst accidents in recent memory according to the defense.
Jay Duguay, the defense attorney, said that the man was drunk, lost control of his motorcycle, and slid into the back of the truck. This accident was caused by Almazza.
Duguay said that the man was not guilty. He lost control of his bike and slid into a truck while driving while drunk.
The defense tactic of placing the blame for thecollission on one of the victims was addressed by prosecutors.
Every person on that road saw the person who drove off the road all over it.
The motorcyclists who died were members of the Jarheads Motorcycle Club and ranged in age from 42 to 62. They were part of a larger group that had just left a motel along the highway and were headed to an American Legion post for a charity event.
Killed were Edward and Jo-Ann Corr, a couple from Lakeville, Massachusetts; Michael Ferazzi, of Contoocook, New Hampshire; Desma Oakes, of Concord, New Hampshire.
The governor of New Hampshire called the verdict a tragedy.
Sununu said that the Fallen Seven didn't get justice. The seven members of the Jarheads Motorcycle Club were taken from us three years ago. My thoughts go out to their families, friends, and loved ones.
The material from the AP was used in the story.
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