Train-wreck trial may start this week

“Make your decision based on what’s said in court,” he said. “You can’t depend on what you read. Avoid it throughout this trial.”

On Jan. 26, 2005, authorities say, Alvarez parked his Jeep Cherokee on the train tracks at Chevy Chase Drive in Glendale, causing a three-train wreck that Metrolink has called the worst in its history.

Alvarez allegedly doused his car is gasoline before what his attorneys call an aborted suicide attempt.

Alvarez is charged with 11 counts of murder with special circumstances and one count each of arson and train wrecking. He has been held without bail in Men’s Central Jail since he was arrested following the crash

On Monday, Alvarez sat quietly in the courtroom while he wrote on a yellow pad. Flanked by his attorneys, he was dressed in a beige suit, his hair slicked back.

The trial is expected to be finished by July 14, according to Pounders.

“We can try this case in less than three months,” he said. “We’ll get to the hard issues and resolve those.”

 JEREMY OBERSTEIN covers City Hall and public safety. He may be reached at (818) 637-3242 or by e-mail at jeremy.oberstein@ latimes.com.