Opening statements are due to begin in the murder trial of Houston nurse Nicole Lorraine Linton, who is accused of causing a high-speed crash that killed six people in Windsor Hills, Los Angeles.
Prosecutors allege that Linton was driving a Mercedes-Benz at up to 130mph when she ran a red light at the junction of La Brea and Slauson avenues on 4 August 2022. The collision set several vehicles alight and devastated the busy intersection.
Linton faces six counts of murder and five counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence. She has pleaded not guilty and has remained in custody without bail.
The victims included Asherey Ryan, who was more than eight months pregnant, her one-year-old son Alonzo Quintero, Ryan’s partner Reynold Lester and their unborn child, Armani Lester. Nathesia Lewis and Lynette Noble also died in the crash.
Windsor Hills crash murder trial
The prosecution is expected to argue that Linton was in control of the vehicle and drove with a reckless disregard for the lives of others. Earlier court documents alleged that the Mercedes accelerated sharply before the impact and travelled through the intersection after the traffic signal had turned red.
Defence lawyers have previously raised questions about Linton’s mental health and suggested that a medical episode may have contributed to the crash. The claims are expected to form part of the arguments heard by the jury.
The trial begins more than four years after the collision, which prompted memorials at the crash site and renewed concern among local residents about speeding and drivers running red lights.
