Apr 28, 2008 2:21 pm US/Pacific
Trial Begins For Man Accused In Deadly Train Crash
11 Killed When Metrolink Train Derailed In Glendale On Jan. 26, 2005
LOS ANGELES (AP) ―
Prosecutors have told a Los Angeles jury that a man derailed a Metrolink commuter train and killed 11 people because he wanted to get back together with his estranged wife, which he accomplished.
The allegation was made Monday during opening statements in the trial of Juan Manuel Alvarez, who is accused of 11 counts of murder and other crimes in the Jan. 26, 2005 disaster.
Authorities say Alvarez parked a vehicle on train tracks, doused it with gasoline and then fled as a train bore down. The Metrolink train struck the vehicle, derailed and hit another Metrolink train.
A prosecutor told jurors that Alvarez now receives regular visits in prison from his previously estranged wife.
The defense is to present its side when prosecutors conclude their opening remarks.
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