Jury selection hits snag in trial of man accused of DWI crash that killed Boy Scout

Jury selection continued in the trial of a Holbrook man accused of driving drunk and killing a Boy Scout.

News 12 Staff

Oct 11, 2019, 7:06 PM

Updated 1,657 days ago

Share:

Jury selection continued in the trial of a Holbrook man accused of driving drunk and killing a Boy Scout.
About 60 potential jurors filed into the Riverhead courtroom of Judge Fernando Camacho as prosecution and defense attorneys interviewed them in regard to the case against Thomas Murphy.
Murphy is accused of driving drunk and fatally striking 12-year-old Andrew McMorris while the boy was hiking along a road in Manorville. Another boy was seriously hurt.
Many of the jurors in the courtroom said they can't be impartial in the case, in which Murphy faces aggravated vehicular homicide and DWI charges.
Defense attorneys are considering a change of venue for the case based on extensive media coverage. Many of the potential jurors were excused after saying they had a personal connection to the victim or were just emotionally upset by news of the accident.
One excused juror said, "When I listened to the story, my heart broke. I could only imagine that happening to my son."
"The next step would be to request from the appellate division that we change the venue because the media saturation with this case," said defense attorney Steve Politi.
Several of the potential jurors in the courtroom, however, told the judge that they could be impartial and are willing to serve on the jury. They will return to court next week for further questioning.
Attorneys for the prosecution would not comment about the case.
 
 
 


More from News 12
2:29
Traffic delays and road closures expected as Irvington set to host President Joe Biden today

Traffic delays and road closures expected as Irvington set to host President Joe Biden today

1:45
Sunny and pleasant today, freeze warnings overnight

Sunny and pleasant today, freeze warnings overnight

1:07
Schools in Westchester County announce early dismissals ahead of President Biden's visit

Schools in Westchester County announce early dismissals ahead of President Biden's visit

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

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

0:24
Breeze Airways expands services from Westchester County Airport

Breeze Airways expands services from Westchester County Airport

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

1:47
Saddle up for a western-style riding adventure at Hollow Brook Riding Academy!

Saddle up for a western-style riding adventure at Hollow Brook Riding Academy!

0:27
Oklahoma woman pleads guilty in fatal Newburgh drunk driving crash

Oklahoma woman pleads guilty in fatal Newburgh drunk driving crash

0:45
Yonkers officer faces charges in off-duty Bronxville accident

Yonkers officer faces charges in off-duty Bronxville accident

0:21
Dutchess County drivers awarded free cars after completing empowerment program

Dutchess County drivers awarded free cars after completing empowerment program

0:35
20 Hudson Valley public high schools among top 100 in New York state

20 Hudson Valley public high schools among top 100 in New York state

1:09
Headlines: Burglary guilty plea, illegal AR-15 possession, library larceny

Headlines: Burglary guilty plea, illegal AR-15 possession, library larceny

0:17
St. Barnabas High School marks 100 years of education at New Rochelle gala

St. Barnabas High School marks 100 years of education at New Rochelle gala

0:27
Manhattan College and Rockland Community College partnership allows seamless student transfers

Manhattan College and Rockland Community College partnership allows seamless student transfers

0:25
Orangeburg students crowned winners of entrepreneurship competition

Orangeburg students crowned winners of entrepreneurship competition

0:26
Luxury VIP experience coming to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

Luxury VIP experience coming to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

0:26
Westchester County DA candidate William Wagstaff secures spot on Democratic primary ballot

Westchester County DA candidate William Wagstaff secures spot on Democratic primary ballot

2:27
How to protect spring plants from frost and freeze

How to protect spring plants from frost and freeze

0:22
Police: 29-year-old man dies after burning incident at Warwick Park

Police: 29-year-old man dies after burning incident at Warwick Park

Ready to explore the great outdoors? These 14 tips can help you stay safe while hiking

Ready to explore the great outdoors? These 14 tips can help you stay safe while hiking