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Democratic Congresswoman, Aide Sued in Deadly DUI Case

Lois Capps
Lois Capps / AP

Parents of a woman who was struck and killed by an aide to Rep. Lois Capps (D., Calif.) are suing the aide, Capps, and the U.S. government, the Associated Press reports.

The wrongful death suit says Capps hired Raymond Morua as an aide despite being aware he had two DUI convictions. He had also been convicted of a hit-and-run and embezzlement, according to court documents.

Morua pleaded guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and fleeing the scene of the crime after authorities say he struck Mallory Dies, 27, in downtown Santa Barbara on Dec. 6. Authorities said he was leaving a holiday party when he hit Dies, who wasn't in a crosswalk but was crossing legally.

The lawsuit also contends that Morua was working in an official capacity for Capps that night.

"Mr. Morua has said under oath, under penalty of perjury, that he was on the job," plaintiffs' attorney Robert Stoll said, adding that if that's the case, "then Lois Capps is responsible."

Capps told KEYT that the woman's death was a tragedy but declined to comment on the lawsuit. She maintained that Morua was not working for her the night of the crash and said she has tightened her hiring procedures.

Morua faces up to 20 years in prison.

Published under: Crime Blotter