The bus driver charged in a March 2011 crash that killed 15 passengers and injured 18 others in New York was acquitted of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide charges Friday.
Ophadell Williams, 41, was found guilty of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree. He has served more than 15 months in prison and was sentenced to an additional 30 days. He will also pay a $500 fine.
A jury in the Bronx reached the verdict Thursday afternoon, but the judge delayed the reading to Friday morning because a juror had to leave for a medical appointment
FULL STORY
Somebody has to go down for this.
I was hoping someone would help me with one,
The driver was acquitted of all charges because the prosecution failed to prove he was too tired (lack of sleep) to safety operate a motor vehicle (bus). He did have a couple of unrelated traffic tickets which were dismissed for time served. The dude couldn't make bail so he was locked up for 15 months awaiting trial. He and the bus company still have wrongful death and injury civil lawsuits to contend with.
the company went out of business then whet happens
@m....... At time of the accident the bus company probably had insurance. So if they are the "deep pockets" I'm sure the ambulance chasers are going after them.
can't get blood out of a turnip. These people are gone. Let it go already. Accidents happen. We live and we die. It's that simple.
@ P T first ty for your help. But the man lied, I dont think the company did back round check.
Background check? These tour bus drivers, work very long hours, put up with unruly patrons and are grossly underpaid. The court basically ruled that driving a bus, averaging 3 hrs sleep, was the accepted industry standard and was not inherently dangerous.
Everything goes down the Stormdrain.
The bus driver was an avg. American driver. Very dangerous to have behind the wheel.