As his trial progresses, many charges have been dropped against a driver involved in a crash that claimed the lives of several members of Marine Corps. motorcycle club three years ago.
On Wednesday, August 3, the prosecution rested its case against Volodymr Zhukovskyy, 26, in connection to the traffic deaths of seven motorcyclists in New Hampshire in 2019.
During the course of the trial, prosecutors have argued that Zhukovskyy ingested heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine on the day of the fatal crash and pointed to an interview with police during which Zhukovskyy appears to admit to causing the crash.
However, the defense team for Zhukovskyy countered by arguing that the lead motorcyclist, Albert “Woody” Mazza, had a blood alcohol level over the legal limit of 0.08% at the time of the crash and was therefore responsible.
The defense then moved to dismiss all charges during the Wednesday court appearance.
Judge Peter Bornstein ruled that there was insufficient evidence to support DUI or intoxication charges and allowed for the dismissal of eight charges related to substance use. However, Zhukovskyy is still facing fifteen counts including negligent homicide, manslaughter, and reckless conduct.