A rotten affair - Berkeley tragedy

THE decision by the California District Attorney investigating last summer’s Berkeley tragedy not to bring any criminal charges in connection with it will come as a huge disappointment to the families of the six young people who died in the balcony collapse, among them five Irish students.

Nancy O’Malley said that following a nine-month investigation her office had concluded that there was insufficient evidence to bring criminal manslaughter charges against any individual or company.

That may be a reasonable conclusion because, under Californian law, they would have to prove that those responsible acted with disregard for human life. Indeed, it would, perhaps, have been far more traumatic for the families and survivors if a failed prosecution had taken place.

However, it appears that lesser criminal charges were not considered. It is hard to understand how the installation of a wooden balcony which was rotten to the core from day one would not at least have breached building codes.

The district attorney should at least clarify this.