Assistant scoutmaster testifies about alleged DWI that killed Boy Scout

The assistant scoutmaster who was there when 12-year-old Boy Scout Andrew McMorris was fatally struck by an alleged drunk driver took the stand Thursday to give an emotional testimony.

News 12 Staff

Nov 21, 2019, 10:14 PM

Updated 1,611 days ago

Share:

The assistant scoutmaster who was there when 12-year-old Boy Scout Andrew McMorris was fatally struck by an alleged drunk driver took the stand Thursday to give an emotional testimony.

Police say 59-year-old Thomas Murphy played golf and drank vodka before he got behind the wheel of his vehicle and plowed into a group of Boy Scouts, killing McMorris and injuring two others.

Daniel Blunnie testified that he saw Murphy's vehicle cross over the white line before he drove into the group of boys. 
MORE: Funeral held for Boy Scout killed by alleged drunk driver

He also said he got within 3 feet of Murphy after the incident and noticed that the defendant was red in the face. Blunnie said that Murphy’s eyes were glazed over and that he could smell alcohol on him.

Blunnie also testified that he heard Murphy tell someone on the scene that he was in trouble.

MORE: Alleged drunk driver takes responsibility for killing Boy Scout | Plea deal possible for suspected drunk driver who killed Boy Scout

Murphy’s defense attorney Stephen Politi responded that Blunnie never told police on scene any of his observations about Murphy -- claiming those remarks were only made after he was prepped by the district attorney's office.

Politi also tried to prove that the boys were walking in the roadway at the time they were hit and not on the side.

"Dan Blunnie himself said that he didn't follow his own rules,” says Politi. “A grown man testified today that he didn't follow the same rules that he made the kids follow.  Well if he wasn't following the rules, can we really think that the children were?"

The defense motioned for a mistrial with prejudice two times during Thursday's proceedings, claiming the prosecution entered evidence not relevant to its theory. Both times that motion was denied.

The trial is set to resume Friday.


More from News 12
2:05
Long Island native ID’d as person who set himself on fire outside Trump trial in Manhattan

Long Island native ID’d as person who set himself on fire outside Trump trial in Manhattan

1:35
Cloudy start to the weekend before sun comes through

Cloudy start to the weekend before sun comes through

0:37
Officials: Wildlife rehabilitator took raccoons into her Merrick home without required rabies license

Officials: Wildlife rehabilitator took raccoons into her Merrick home without required rabies license

1:42
FBI on alert as Jewish Long Islanders prepare to celebrate Passover

FBI on alert as Jewish Long Islanders prepare to celebrate Passover

0:22
East Northport man sentenced to 23 years in prison for sexually abusing great niece

East Northport man sentenced to 23 years in prison for sexually abusing great niece

1:44
Islandia woman turns 106, offers secret to long life

Islandia woman turns 106, offers secret to long life

2:28
Islanders owner surprises fans with free playoff tickets

Islanders owner surprises fans with free playoff tickets

0:35
Calverton man pleads guilty to attempted murder charges related to opening fire at Bellport vigil

Calverton man pleads guilty to attempted murder charges related to opening fire at Bellport vigil

1:46
Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

0:51
Baldwin students learn business skills with 'Little Lenox Bakery'

Baldwin students learn business skills with 'Little Lenox Bakery'

0:35
Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

1:46
Gov. Hochul announces harsher penalties for illegal smoke shops

Gov. Hochul announces harsher penalties for illegal smoke shops

2:10
News 12 provides tips on the do's and don'ts of recycling

News 12 provides tips on the do's and don'ts of recycling

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

1:55
The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

0:13
Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

0:47
Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

0:42
Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

0:23
Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road

Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road