CLEARLAKE — After a judge Monday granted James Nightingale, 30, of Kelseyville, one day to consider his options in relation to the vehicular manslaughter case pending against him, another continued the appearance Tuesday to 8:15 a.m. today in Lake County Superior Court Department 4 in Clearlake.
Defense Attorney Jacob Zamora requested a 60-day trial continuance on Monday citing that the defense would need a two-month continuance because of problems securing and investigator and arranging access to experts.
The jury trial is currently scheduled to begin Feb. 7. Zamora requested the trial 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 the defense”s continuance request. Honorable Judge Andrew S. Blum gave Nightingale a day to consider his options. On Tuesday, the case was called near the end of the day and Honorable Judge Stephen O. Hedstrom apologized to the defendant for the delay and ordered the matter continued indicating that court would do its best to hear the case early today.
Nightingale faces charges of felony vehicular manslaughter with a special allegation of gross negligence, felony hit and run and misdemeanor driving on a suspended license in relation to his allege role in the Sept. 24 incident.
Authorities allege that Nightingale proceeded without caution through the intersection at Seigler Canyon Road and Highway 29, causing the Suburban he was driving to collide with Zino Mezoui”s motorcycle.
Nightingale allegedly left 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.
Reporter Jeremy Walsh contributed to this article.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
