2 ordered to stand trial for 2007 Malibu fire
2 ordered to stand trial for 2007 Malibu fire
15 January 2009
published by www.mercurynews.com
USA — Two men have been ordered to stand trial on charges of recklessly causing the November 2007 wildfire in Malibu that destroyed 53 homes and injured six firefighters.
A Los Angeles Superior Court judge found sufficient evidence Thursday to require 23-year-old Brian Alan Anderson and 24-year-old William Coppock to be tried.
Prosecutors say the men went to a cave to drink beer and light a campfire when the area was under a red flag warning because of high winds and low humidity.
Both men pleaded not guilty to two counts related to the fire. They are scheduled to be arraigned on Jan. 29.
Another hearing is scheduled for Feb. 26 to determine whether two other defendants will stand trial for the same crime. A fifth defendant pleaded no contest in October.
