Emma Czornobaj: Woman Who Rescued Ducklings Faces Life In Prison

A Canadian woman who pulled over on a highway to save a group of ducklings could be sent to prison for the rest of her life.

After four days of deliberation, a Montreal jury convicted Emma Czornobaj, 25, of criminal negligence causing death (which carries a maximum life sentence) and dangerous driving causing death, which could result in a 14-year jail term. “Czornobaj, a professed animal lover, told the court that she did not see the ducklings’ mother anywhere and planned to capture them and take them home.”

A motorcyclist and his passenger slammed into the back of the woman’s vehicle which was stopped in the left lane on Highway 30 outside of Montreal after the woman decided to rescue the ducklings. A witness claimed that the parked Honda Civic did not have its hazard lights on in the horrific crash that occurred on June, 27, 2010.

The motorcycle rider, Andre Roy, 50, along with his daughter Jessie, 16, tragically died in the collision, which was witnessed by Roy’s wife who was operating another bike on the highway at the time. Said Pauline Volikakis, Roy’s widow, “Future and present drivers should know that we don’t stop on highways, and it’s very dangerous. Even if it’s a small animal that we like or that we want to preserve, we should not stop on the highways. It’s not a place to stop.”

The prosecutor echoed that concern: “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.”

Czornobaj, who reportedly was willing at one point to enter into a plea bargain to resolve the case, is due back in court on August 8 for a pre-sentence hearing. Apparently the plea deal fell through because prosecutors were insistent on jail time.

Her lawyer may appeal the verdict based on the premise that there was no criminal intent involved in the attempted duckling rescue.

[image credit: J Marsh]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnpA5J3OBII