Local News in Brief : Jury Sworn in Suicide Suit Against Sun Valley Church
A jury of nine women and three men was sworn in Tuesday to decide whether ministers and counselors at a Sun Valley church were responsible for the 1979 suicide death of 24-year-old Kenneth Nally of Tujunga.
The trial will begin today with opening arguments at 9:30 a.m. in Department E of Glendale Superior Court.
Kenneth’s parents, Walter and Maria Nally, are seeking unspecified damages from Grace Community Church of the Valley. The parents allege that church officials counseled Kenneth that suicide was an acceptable practice and discouraged the emotionally disturbed young man from seeking professional psychological help.
The church has denied the allegations, saying that Kenneth was seen by at least eight physicians, psychiatrists and other mental health professionals in the last two months of his life. Church officials maintain that they encouraged Kenneth to seek professional care and made several appointments for him.
The trial is expected to last four to eight weeks.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
