A limousine service manager has been found guilty of 20 counts of manslaughter over one of the deadliest US road accidents in two decades.
Jurors reached their verdict during their second day of deliberations in the trial of Nauman Hussain, 33, who used to run Prestige Limousine.
Mr Hussain faces the possibility of up to 15 years in prison for the 2018 crash in which the brakes of the stretch-style SUV failed.
The vehicle — which was packed with birthday revellers — went off the road and hit a parked car and trees before coming to a stop.
Seventeen passengers, the driver and two bystanders were killed, including Kevin Crushing's son Patrick.
"It's exhilarating," Mr Crushing told WNYT-TV outside the courthouse.
"We had relatively low expectations because this four-and-a-half years has been filled with disappointment."
After pandemic-related delays in the criminal case, Mr Hussain cut a plea deal with prosecutors in 2021 that would have spared him prison time, but the agreement was later rejected by a judge.
Prosecutors said Mr Hussain had intentionally failed to conduct routine state inspections on the limousine, which would have revealed brake defects and prevented the wreck.
Defence lawyer Lee Kindlon said Mr Hussain was misled by a repair shop.
The shop, which has not been criminally charged, said it was not at fault.
Mr Kindlon told reporters outside the courthouse he was "heartbroken" by the outcome.
"I'm a little disappointed the judge decided to lock him up today, but not surprised," he said.
During the trial, jurors heard from witnesses, including a former manager of the repair shop, people who saw the wreck, and a state Department of Transportation inspector who flagged the limousine for violations prior to the crash.
The defence did not call any witnesses to the stand.
"No one likes to see someone's life destroyed, and I don't want to feel that way," Mr Cushing said.
"I'm certainly glad he's convicted and I believe he's getting a punishment that he deserves, but I take no joy in that."
US congressman Paul Tonko — who comes from the hometown of many of the victims — said the verdict marked the beginnings of justice being served.
"While nothing can replace these precious lives lost, I hope this decision brings a measure of peace to all their loved ones," he said.
Mr Hussain was remanded in custody until his sentencing on May 31.
AP
