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Holbrook Man Driving Drunk Convicted Of Vehicular Homicide In Scout's Death

The Long Island man who drove drunk into a group of boy scouts, killing one, has been convicted of vehicular homicide following a lengthy trial.

Thomas Murphy, of Holbrook.

Thomas Murphy, of Holbrook.

Photo Credit: SCPD

Thomas Murphy, 60, of Holbrook, was found guilty by a jury on Wednesday, Dec. 18 of:

  • two counts of aggravated vehicular homicide; 
  • second-degree manslaughter; 
  • second-degree assault; 
  • two counts of second-degree vehicular assault; 
  • two counts of third-degree assault and reckless driving.

It was alleged that Murphy, 60, was drinking with three friends at the Swan Lake Golf Course in Manorville before getting into his Mercedes, veering off-road about a mile from the course and crashing into Scouts on David Terry Road. 12-year-old Andrew McMorris was killed and three others were injured.

Earlier this month, a judge dropped four additional charges against Murphy - aggravated vehicular homicide, first-degree vehicular manslaughter, first-degree vehicular assault and driving while intoxicated - when his lawyers argued that those charges require a driver have a blood alcohol content greater than .18 percent, and it was argued that Murphy’s was closer to .13 percent.

Murphy initially refused to submit to a breathalyzer and investigators had to obtain a warrant from a judge to collect his blood.

When he is sentenced, Murphy will face a term of between eight and 25 years in prison.

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