Husband of wife killed in 2013 Venice Beach Boardwalk hit-and-run speaks in court

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The husband of an Italian woman who was struck and killed by a Dodge Avenger on the popular Venice Beach Boardwalk in 2013 took to the stand Monday in the trial against the driver, Nathan Campbell.

Christian Casadei spoke through a translator and recounted the moments leading up to the death of his wife, Alice Gruppioni, on Aug. 3, 2013.

The couple had been married for just two weeks and were on their honeymoon when police say 38-year-old Campbell drove his car onto the boardwalk, injuring 16 people and killing Gruppioni.

The incident was caught on various cameras along the boardwalk.

Casadei explained that he and his wife were running side by side to get away from the car, but that after he was hit by the car, he was surprised and did not understand what was happening. At one point he said it felt like he was in a movie, and he talked about how he searched for his wife but could not find her.

It wasn't until he saw a group of people standing over someone laying still on the ground several feet away.

He said at that point, he held his wife's hand and called her name, but did not get a response. Casadei testified that he saw his wife move her fingers and struggle to breathe.

Casadei flew in from Italy to testify and was accompanied by his wife's aunt and their civil attorneys, who released a statement after declining to speak on camera.

"Reliving the senseless tragedy of Aug. 3, 2013, has been a very difficult experience, causing great sorrow and heartache. Our family lost a beautiful wife, daughter, family member and friend who brought so much love to all. We will forever mourn her loss," the statement said.

Another witness, who was allegedly hit by Campbell, took the stand and recalled people screaming and running to avoid the car. The person said that Campbell appeared to rev his engine in the direction of the crowds.

Campbell, who had no reaction to any of the testimony, is charged with murder, assault with a deadly weapon and hit-and-run. His attorney has called the incident a "tragic accident."