LAKEPORT — A judge Monday gave a man accused of vehicular manslaughter one day to mull his options after the defendant”s attorney asked the court for a 60-day trial continuance.
Attorney Jacob Zamora, who represents James Nightingale, told Judge Andrew S. Blum that the defense would need a two-month continuance because of problems securing an investigator and arranging access to experts.
The jury trial is currently scheduled to begin Feb. 7. Zamora asked that the trial start date be rescheduled to April 18.
Nightingale, who was arrested in late September, would have to waive his right to a speedy trial in order for the court to grant Zamora”s continuance request. The defendant asked Blum for “some time to think about it,” and Blum continued the pre-trial hearing to this morning.
Nightingale, 31, faces charges of felony vehicular manslaughter, with special allegation of gross negligence, felony hit and run and misdemeanor driving on a suspended license stemming from his alleged role in a Sept. 24 incident.
Authorities allege that Nightingale proceeded without caution through the intersection of Seigler Canyon Road and Highway 29, causing the Suburban he was driving to collide with Zino Mezoui”s motorcycle.
Nightingale then allegedly fled the scene of the incident. Mezoui, who owned Zino”s Ristorante and Inn in Soda Bay, died as a result of injuries sustained in the collision.
Nightingale is scheduled to appear in Department 4 today at 8:15 a.m.
Contact Jeremy Walsh at jwalsh@record-bee.com or call him at 263-5636, ext. 37.
