Trial set for man accused of manslaughter of Paso Robles water pipeline workers

The families of the two men drowned during the construction of the Paso Robles water pipeline will see the man who is allegedly responsible face trial for involuntary manslaughter.

Another section of the Nacimiento pipeline under construction in 2008

Henry Duggins, 52, Sacramento, faces two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of violating occupational safety causing death. The two victims were Jacob Gaines, 24, of Bakersfield and Manuel Villagomez, 38, of Elk Grove.

Duggins allegedly caused a rupture after the excavator he was using hit a water line in October 2008 in Paso Robles. The surge of water drowned the victims. Blame was assessed to Duggins because investigators say he ignored verbal warnings regarding the proximity of the water line and the trench where the victims were digging a trench.

Superior Court Judge Michael Duffy said Thursday there is enough evidence for the case to move to the trial phase.

Read More:

SanLuisObispo.com: Man to face trial for manslaughter in deaths of men working in Paso Robles water pipeline

Bakersfield.com: Charges filed in construction accident that killed Bakersfield man

Trial set for man accused of manslaughter of Paso Robles water pipeline workers was last modified: January 10th, 2019 by admin

About Author

Ben Banuchi

Ben Banuchi has been a journalist in the Atascadero/Paso Robles area since 2002, and is currently a freelance writer and reporter. He can be contacted at bbanuchi@unitedreporting.com