Venice Beach Boardwalk hit-and-run suspect denied request for new trial

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- It was Aug. 3, 2013 when a leisurely day along the Venice Beach Boardwalk quickly turned into an afternoon of terror for dozens of people.

Italian newlywed Alice Gruppioni, 32, was killed that afternoon and 17 others were injured when Nathan Campbell barreled down the popular boardwalk in a Dodge Avenger.

Gruppioni's husband, Christian Casadei, said he and his wife were running side by side to get away from the car, but they were still struck.

Campbell, 40, of Colorado was convicted of second-degree murder in June. He was also convicted on 17 counts of assault with a deadly weapon and 10 counts of leaving an accident scene.

On Wednesday in court, Campbell's defense attorney, James P. Cooper III, alleged that juror misconduct prevented a fair trial.

Allegations that the jury foreman prejudged the case and that a juror improperly took home trial notes to analyze did not affect Campbell's second-degree murder conviction, Superior Court Judge Kathryn Solorzano ruled.

The request was denied moments after three victims, who didn't want to be appear on camera, spoke out about how much their lives have changed since that frightening day.

"I can't walk, I can't move at all. Sometimes I can't sleep from the pain. It's not easy, my life now," victim Nancy Martinez said. "I can't work, I can't run, I can't do nothing, but I try to do my best every day."

Judith Fox, who was also injured, tearfully told the judge that she lives in fear of cars and will never return to Venice Beach.

"It's hard for me because I have to work to support my family, and every day I have too much pain on my back," victim Jose Gutierrez said.

More victim impact statements will be heard next month when Campbell returns to court for sentencing. Gruppioni's family is also expected to address the judge, and Cooper says his client is also planning to speak.

"On the 25th, you will hear him read his letter, but he has always said that he has a great deal of remorse for what happened that day, and he wishes he could turn back the clock but he can't," Cooper said.

Prosecutors say Campbell was trying to run down a man who ripped him off in a drug deal, but he hit innocent bystanders instead.

"That guy is crazy. He needs the most time because he came out one day, he's going to do the same thing," Gutierrez said.

Campbell's sentencing originally scheduled for Wednesday was postponed until Sept. 25.