La Conchita wrongful death trial starts
Engineers, hydrologists and other experts are expected to testify in the wrongful death and property damage civil trial prompted by the 2005 landslide in La Conchita. The trial started June 23 in Ventura County Superior Court.
During his opening statement, attorney Anthony Murray said complex testimony will be heard about the effect of water coming down a mountainside and landslides.
The trial was triggered by an eight-second landslide that killed 10 people and destroyed 13 homes in the seaside community. Highway 101, the only thorofare between Ventura and Santa Barbara, was closed for weeks.
The trial could last up to four months and has a list of more than 200 potential witnesses, including experts, residents and county officials.
