Suspect in LA train derailment faces multiple murder charges, death penalty News
Suspect in LA train derailment faces multiple murder charges, death penalty

[JURIST] A man suspected of causing a train derailment in Los Angeles was charged Thursday with 10 counts of murder and could face the death penalty, according to LA County District Attorney Steve Cooley [DA's website]. Juan Manuel Alvarez, who authorities said was suicidal, allegedly parked his SUV on the tracks but then changed his mind and left it. The resulting derailment of a commuter train left 11 dead and almost 200 injured. Cooley said Alvarez may be charged with another murder count after another victim was found dead in the wreckage. Under California law, murder charges [CA Penal Code text] with special circumstances mean the death penalty may be considered for a suspect. Read a statement from the DA's office. The Los Angeles Times has more coverage of the incident [registration required]. AP has more.