Manse on Marsh owner found guilty in involuntary manslaughter trial
Jurors reached a verdict Tuesday in the involuntary manslaughter case involving the owner of the Manse on Marsh, an assisted-living facility in San Luis Obispo.
Christopher Skiff was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and elderly and dependent adult abuse in connection with the death of Manse on Marsh resident Mauricio Edgar Cardenas.
The 65-year-old was hit and killed by a car 10 miles from the facility in December 2014. It's alleged that Cardenas suffered from dementia and should not have been living at the facility.
It took jurors about three days to return with a verdict in the trial, which started in mid-November.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 25.
The Manse on Marsh released the following statement following the verdict:
"It is with great sadness and dismay to learn that the jury in the State versus Chris Skiff trial has found him guilty of the charges against him. On behalf of the residents, their families and the staff of The Manse on Marsh, we extend our sympathy to Mr. Skiff and to his family for this unfortunate outcome in the trial. We anticipate that all legal options will be explored to exonerate Mr. Skiff."
Gary Potts, a former employee of the facility, was also charged in the case and has pleaded not guilty.