Amusement park death verdict

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/7878397/

Guilty of reckless homicide, a step down from second degree murder.\\
Earlier complaint of harness opening
Prosecutors said amusement park officials stopped calling the manufacturer after the ride’s warranty ran out — even after an Indiana man complained in July 2003 that his seat harness opened and he was nearly thrown.

Investigators also discovered two “jumper wires” in the ride’s electrical system that bypassed its safety mechanisms, which were designed to halt the ride if a harness became unlocked.

Martin, 56, told the jurors he had not noticed the wires. Two engineering experts testified for the defense that the ride had a defect in its circuitry that prevented it from running without the jumper wires.

Alexander’s family has sued Martin, the amusement park and the ride’s manufacturer in federal court for a total of $96 million in damages.
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Strong family man, dedicated husband but a fucking idiot who willfully opened a ride that was dangerous.