REPORT: Lewis County woman hopes justice will prevail in wake of husband’s death by drunken driver

LEWIS COUNTY- After losing her husband earlier this year in a tragic head-on crash that involved a drunken driver in the town of Martinsburg, a North Country woman is hoping that justice will be served.

Following the first day of racing at this year’s Boonville Snow Festival II, Mark and Debra Vaughn were on their way back north after a successful day serving spectators at their concession stand.

While heading north on State Route 12 on the night of January 31, Mark and Debra were struck head-on by an oncoming driver, who was identified as Gabriel Moore. Mark was killed in the crash.

According to police investigation, Moore registered a BAC just shy of .20% and was charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, aggravated DWI, reckless driving and failing to keep right.

While speaking just recently with reporters from WWNY-TV, Debra says she wants justice. She alleges that communication with the Lewis County District Attorney’s Office has been sparse. Specifically, she claims how plea deal discussion have, so far, yet to be productive.

However, it is reported that District Attorney Jeff Tompkins and his office will continue working to get the best possible outcome for the victim’s family.

For context, convictions for aggravated vehicular homicide range from a minimum of 1 to 3 years and a maximum of 7 to 25 years.

5 to 15 years is common for vehicular manslaughter in the first-degree and 2 to 7 years for vehicular manslaughter in the second-degree.

According to Debra, she feels 15 to 20 behind bars would be fair.

Lewis County Courthouse image.