[StBernard] Judge or jury trial: Embattled nursing home owners to decide

[Westley Annis]

A trial date has already been set for Sal and Mabel Mangano, the owners of a
St. Bernard nursing home accused in the deaths of 35 patients during
Hurricane Katrina. But the Manganos were expected to decide Thursday if a
judge or jury would hear their case. 
  
 
If the Manganos choose a jury to hear their case, it will take place north
of Baton Rouge in St. Francisville, beginning April 16. But if it's a judge
who takes the trial, it will be held in St. Bernard, beginning on the same
date. 
 
However, if the trial takes place in St. Bernard Parish, a local judge will
not hear the case; all judges in the parish have recused themselves from the
matter. 
 
The couple stands accused of neglecting their patients after Katrina while
floodwaters swamped the St. Rita Nursing Home, leaving 35 patients dead. 
 
In October, the Manganos pled not guilty to 35 counts of negligent homicide
and 64 counts of cruelty to the infirmed. 
 
The couple said they had a hurricane plan, but did not plan on the levees
breaking and have since sued the federal, state and local governments.
 
The Manganos had requested a change of venue in early December.