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Closing Arguments Begin In Deadly Big Rig Crash Trial

PASADENA (AP) — A Los Angeles County prosecutor is asking jurors to convict a trucker of seven charges, including murder and vehicular manslaughter in a deadly big rig crash.

Deputy District Attorney Carolina Lugo said in closing arguments Tuesday that trucker Marcos Costa was guilty of gross negligence for continuing to drive his 18-wheeler down a mountainous highway when it was spewing smoke from its brakes.

She said he was stopped along the way and warned that the Angeles Crest Highway was too dangerous for his 25-ton rig to navigate. He was told to turn around but she said he did not.

Two people were killed and three injured in the April 2009 crash.

Costa's defense attorney is expected to argue that the crash was an accident.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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