The case of Volodymyr Zhukovskyy, the commercial truck driver acquitted of causing the deaths of seven motorcyclists in New Hampshire, took a new turn as he testified at a hearing to reinstate his suspended license. The 2019 crash in Randolph that killed members of the Jarheads Motorcycle Club sparked controversy and legal battles that continue to this day.
Zhukovskyy, who had his Massachusetts license automatically suspended after the crash, testified at a four-hour administrative hearing in Concord. He claimed that he thought he was the one who caused the accident at the time, but his trial lawyers argued that there was no evidence of impairment on his part.
The decision on whether to reinstate Zhukovskyy’s license now rests with hearings officer Ryan McFarland, who must determine if Zhukovskyy drove in an unlawful and reckless manner that materially contributed to the accident. If the state prevails, his license could remain suspended for up to seven years.
One former Jarheads member injured in the crash, Manny Ribeiro, spoke out against restoring Zhukovskyy’s license, expressing concerns about public safety. The case has drawn strong reactions from officials, with Gov. Chris Sununu and Attorney General John Formella expressing disappointment with the manslaughter acquittal.
The hearing also delved into Zhukovskyy’s past, including prior accidents and drug use. The attorney for the state Department of Safety challenged Zhukovskyy’s account of the events leading up to the crash, citing expert reports that suggest he did not see the motorcycle in advance.
As the legal battle continues, Zhukovskyy’s immigration status adds another layer of complexity to the case. With a deportation order in place, questions remain about where he could be sent, especially given the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The outcome of the hearing and the broader implications of the case remain uncertain as the legal proceedings unfold.