Friends of man accused of killing Boy Scout deliver explosive testimony

Explosive testimony was delivered Wednesday in the trial of a man accused of driving drunk and killing a 12-year-old Boy Scout.

News 12 Staff

Nov 13, 2019, 10:13 PM

Updated 1,625 days ago

Share:

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."
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.


More from News 12
1:55
Tribute held for survivors and victims of high-profile violent Bronx crimes

Tribute held for survivors and victims of high-profile violent Bronx crimes

1:54
Temperatures return to the 60s on Friday for NYC

Temperatures return to the 60s on Friday for NYC

0:24
Councilmember Marmorato meets with Home Depot staff to discuss security measures

Councilmember Marmorato meets with Home Depot staff to discuss security measures

2:03
Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

1:34
MTA rolls out multibillion-dollar plan to protect transit system from major storms

MTA rolls out multibillion-dollar plan to protect transit system from major storms

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:30
Gov. Hochul announces funding to aid flood-prone communities

Gov. Hochul announces funding to aid flood-prone communities

1:35
NYPD: Multiple armed suspects wanted for string of robberies on Bronx train

NYPD: Multiple armed suspects wanted for string of robberies on Bronx train

2:02
Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

0:05
Baseball's oldest living major leaguer, former Yankee Art Schallock, is turning 100

Baseball's oldest living major leaguer, former Yankee Art Schallock, is turning 100

1:54
Bronx Children's Museum offers familiar fun, valuable education for youth and families

Bronx Children's Museum offers familiar fun, valuable education for youth and families

0:19
NYPD: Woman wanted for punching another woman, stealing her phone in Highbridge

NYPD: Woman wanted for punching another woman, stealing her phone in Highbridge

2:07
Council Member Feliz plans to tackle rising vacant storefronts in the Bronx

Council Member Feliz plans to tackle rising vacant storefronts in the Bronx

2:04
Multiplex Cinemas in Concourse Plaza set to close next month

Multiplex Cinemas in Concourse Plaza set to close next month

1:47
Libraries could see new changes following no reversal of $58.3 million budget cut

Libraries could see new changes following no reversal of $58.3 million budget cut

1:46
NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

2:25
Parked car left in shambles; video shows car smash into it multiple times

Parked car left in shambles; video shows car smash into it multiple times

1:42
New community center focuses on supporting former male inmates on road to recovery

New community center focuses on supporting former male inmates on road to recovery

1:35
The Bronx Museum of Arts new exhibit showcases NYC artists from fellowship

The Bronx Museum of Arts new exhibit showcases NYC artists from fellowship

1:59
NYPD: Fordham shooting kills 34-year-old man, leaves another man critical

NYPD: Fordham shooting kills 34-year-old man, leaves another man critical