Mark Duke acquitted of impaired driving causing death in 2024 crash
A judge acquitted Mark Duke of impaired driving causing death and fleeing the scene of an accident causing death, citing insufficient evidence to place him in the driver's seat during the fatal crash. He was found guilty of a lesser charge of impaired driving. The decision was met with dismay by the victim's family, while Duke hugged his family.
Why it matters
This case highlights the complexities of legal proceedings, the challenges of evidence collection in criminal investigations, and the emotional impact of court decisions on victims' families and defendants.
Judge Lois Skanes handed down her decision on Monday morning in St. John's, acquitting the Fox Harbour man on charges of impaired driving causing death and fleeing the scene of an accident causing death.
Skanes said the evidence presented at trial failed to place Duke in the driver's seat when the crash happened. There was sufficient evidence, however, that Duke drove his truck later that morning, after the fatal crash. Thus, he was found guilty of a lesser charge of impaired driving.
The news was met with sighs from the family of 61-year-old Hubert Noftall, who was run down from behind while walking on Freshwater Road in St. John's.
"Brutal," one member of the family said before walking out of the courtroom.
Duke hugged his family after Noftall's supporters had left the room.
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