RAF LAKENHEATH, England — About 5 p.m. on Aug. 10, 2004, a car driven by Senior Airman David McDuffie failed to negotiate a left-hand curve on a two-lane road. His white Hyundai crashed nearly head-on into a Ford Focus driven by Emma James, a 33-year-old British woman who was nearly six months pregnant.
The A420 roadway south of Oxford was dry and clear of obstructions. McDuffie was not speeding nor impaired by alcohol or drugs. In fact, the only drug later found in his blood was a trace of caffeine.
Yet his car went straight across the center line as if, the crash investigator said, McDuffie had fallen asleep. The crash killed James.
In a court-martial at RAF Lakenheath, a jury convicted McDuffie, 32, of involuntary manslaughter and reckless operation of a motor vehicle. The seven-member panel, including four officers, returned the verdict about 7 p.m. Thursday. On Friday, he was sentenced to confinement for one year, reduction to the rank of E-2 and a bad-conduct discharge.
After the verdict was read Thursday, family members of James hugged. McDuffie’s mother sat a few feet away, looking stunned.
A third car, which was following McDuffie, slammed into his car, causing minor injuries to the driver.
McDuffie, who suffered a broken nose and leg, fractured wrist and cracked teeth, could have been confined for more than 11 years. He also faced a dishonorable discharge, reduction in rank to airman basic and total forfeiture of pay and benefits. A fine was also possible.
McDuffie suffers from sleep apnea, a sleeping disorder that affects a person’s breathing and prevents them from getting a good night’s sleep, leaving them tired and listless throughout the day.
Diagnosed four years ago, he had been warned about driving while sleepy. He had a machine that forced air down his throat while sleeping, but there was no testimony as to whether he was using it.
The prosecutors, Maj. Don Christensen and Capt. Matthew Blue, said McDuffie acted with disregard for others by driving that day.
The defense attorneys, Maj. Patrick Dolan and Capt. Tiwana Wright, said the crash was a tragedy and an accident, but not a crime.
They pointed out that McDuffie had driven the route several times from RAF Fairford, where he is a member of the 424th Air Base Squadron, to RAF Croughton and back. He was licensed to drive by the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and, in fact, had a permit to drive on the flight line at RAF Fairford.
Dolan, in a closing argument that surpassed one hour, said McDuffie did not feel sleepy that day so he could not be considered negligent.
Staff Sgt. Roy Reynolds, who was a passenger in McDuffie’s American car and suffered two broken legs and other injuries in the crash, said he shouted and turned toward McDuffie as the car crossed into the other lane.
“His head was down like he was [sleeping], but I couldn’t tell if his eyes were closed or not,” he said.
Mark Howard, a crash investigator with the local police, said the Hyundai’s path was “entirely consistent” with a driver who had dozed off.
