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An off-duty New York State Trooper, Liam Hayes, will not face prosecution after a fatal accident in Dutchess County last year. The incident occurred on August 8, 2023, when Hayes, driving his silver Honda Civic, struck pedestrian Luis Morocho on state Route 9 in Wappingers Falls. The state Attorney General's Office determined that criminal charges, such as criminally negligent homicide, could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
According to the Attorney General's Office of Special Investigation, surveillance footage showed Morocho attempting to cross Route 9, pausing at the median, and then jogging before being struck. Morocho was pronounced dead at a local hospital, and an autopsy revealed a high level of alcohol in his system.
Hayes, who had a green light at the intersection, reportedly braked and swerved to avoid Morocho. Witnesses described Morocho as appearing "out of nowhere" and confirmed that Hayes was driving normally. Hayes estimated his speed between 40 to 43 mph, within the road's 40 mph limit. There was no evidence of speeding or substance use by Hayes.
The decision not to prosecute was based on the lack of evidence to support criminal charges against Hayes.