Canadian Emma Czornobaj was found guilty on Friday of causing the death of a motorcyclist and his passenger/daughter after she stopped on a busy highway to save a group of ducklings.
The jury unanimously convicted 25-year-old Czornobaj on two counts of criminal negligence causing death and two counts of dangerous driving causing death, according to the AP. The former charges carry a maximum life sentence.
When Czornobaj, a self-proclaimed animal lover, halted her vehicle in the left lane of the highway near Montreal it caused 50-year-old Andre Roy and his passenger/daughter, 16-year-old Jessie, to slam into her car. Both tragically lost their lives in the collision.
Defense attorney Marc Labelle said:
“The fact that she was involved in the accident in the first place was a hard experience for her. The fact that she had to go through a trial with a lot of publicity was tough and to be confirmed by 12 citizens, the jury, that the conduct was criminal is a hard blow.”
Roy’s wife and the mother of young Jessie, Pauline Volikakis, held back tears as she left the packed courtroom. She stated, “I don’t wish misfortune on anyone. It’s time that we go on. This will not bring (back) my loved ones.”
After the verdict the prosecutor said, “What we hope is that a clear message is sent to society that we do not stop on the highway for animals. It’s not worth it.”
HT: Jezebel
