FILLMORE : Parents Sue Driver Over Son’s Death
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The parents of a Fillmore High School graduate who was killed in a drunk-driving accident just five hours after commencement in June have sued the driver of the car in which he was riding.
Charles and Linda Anderson filed the suit Wednesday in Ventura County Superior Court against Justin Burkley Neff, 20, of Garden Grove, alleging that he negligently and recklessly caused the death of their son, James Anderson, 18.
The suit seeks more than $250,000 in damages, including $5,110 in funeral costs for James Anderson and $33,000 in mental health care for his unidentified brother, who was hospitalized because of grief after the June 15 crash.
Investigators said James Anderson was leaving a graduation party in the passenger seat of Neff’s 1983 Camaro when the car left the pavement on Guiberson Road near Fillmore and struck a power pole. The impact snapped the pole, crushed Anderson and flung Neff from the vehicle. Witnesses have said beer cans were strewn around the wreck.
Neff pleaded no contest Aug. 25 to charges of vehicular manslaughter, causing bodily injury while driving under the influence and being under the influence of cocaine and alcohol. Neff is scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday in Ventura County Superior Court.
Neff’s attorney could not be reached for comment on the suit.
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