Driver In Randolph, NH Crash That Killed 7 Motorcyclists Waives Arraignment
BOSTON (CBS) – The driver accused in a New Hampshire crash that killed seven motorcyclists was due to be arraigned on Tuesday, but instead filed a not guilty plea and waived is right to appear. Volodymyr Zhukovskyy is charged with seven counts of negligent homicide following the Randolph crash.
The 23-year-old waived extradition during an appearance in Springfield District Court on Monday. He was then taken back to New Hampshire to face charges.
Zhukovskyy had been expected to participate in a video arraignment Tuesday afternoon.
A tentative trial date has been set for November and December 2019, with a final pretrial hearing slated for November 4 and jury selection to begin November 8.
Just weeks before the crash, Baytown, Texas Police confirmed Zhukovskyy was involved in a rollover crash with an 18-wheeler. On June 2, the car hauler Zhukovskyy flipped over on I-10 in Baytown. He told police another car cut him off but police were unable to locate the other car and no charges were filed. No one was injured.
In February, Baytown Police were called to a Denny's restaurant for a report of an intoxicated person talking to himself at the counter. Officers spoke to Zhukovskyy and found a crack pipe in his pocket. He was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.
Police say Zhukovskyy was driving a pickup truck towing a trailer when he collided with a group of motorcyclists on Route 2 in Randolph on Friday. Zhukovskyy was an employee of Westfield Transport, a company in Springfield, Massachusetts.
In charging documents, prosecutors allege that Zhukovskyy caused the death of each motorcyclist by driving "erratically and across the double-yellow centerline, thereby causing a collision."
Joanne and Edward Corr, both of Lakeville, died in the crash. Michael Ferazzi of Contoocook, N.H., Albert Mazza of Lee, N.H., Daniel Pereira of Riverside R.I., Desma Oakes of Concord, N.H., and Aaron Perry of Farmington, N.H. also died.
The motorcyclists were with Marine JarHeads MC, a motorcycle club that includes Marines and their spouses.
According to Zhukovskyy's driving records, he was charged with operating under the influence in Connecticut on May 11. He was released on $2,500 non-surety bond but "due to his suicidal comments and extreme behavior, [was] turned over to the East Windsor Medics" and taken to the hospital for evaluation," East Windsor Police said.
He also had his driver's license suspended temporarily in 2013 after a drunk driving arrest.
Zhukovskyy's arraignment had been scheduled to take place in Lancaster's Coos County Superior Court.