SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - Closing arguments began Monday morning in the civil trial over the death of Rebecca Zahau.
Zahau’s body was found hanging from the balcony at the Spreckels Mansion in Coronado on July 13, 2011. The 32-year-old’s death was ruled a suicide following a San Diego County Sheriff’s Department/Medical Examiner’s Office investigation.
At the time, investigators said Zahau took her own life two days after Max Shacknai, the 6-year-old son of her boyfriend Jonah Shacknai, was seriously injured at the mansion while under her care. The little boy died from his injuries several days later.
Over the years, Zahau’s family has insisted she was a murder victim. They filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Adam Shacknai -- the brother of Zahau’s boyfriend -- accusing him of being responsible for her death.
Adam Shacknai told investigators he removed Zahau’s body from the balcony about 6:45 a.m. the morning of July 13, 2011. In testimony, Shacknai, who was staying in the mansion’s guest house at the time, said he called 911.
Investigators found her body on the ground, her hands and feet bound with red rope. The same red rope was discovered hanging over the balcony.
Zahau family attorney Keith Greer alleged Adam Shacknai delivered four blows to the head of Zahau, rendering her partially or fully unconscious. Greer also alleged that the defendant sexually assaulted Zahau, tied her hands and feet, put a noose around her neck and threw her body off a second-story balcony.
Adam Shacknai has denied the accusations against him, and his older brother testified that it was “inconceivable” that he had anything to do with Zahau’s death.
During the monthlong trial, DNA experts, a member of the Medical Examiner’s Office and several family members testified.
Following closing arguments, the case is expected to go to the jury for deliberations.
RELATED STORIES:
- Interactive timeline of Rebecca Zahau case
- PHOTOS: Coronado death investigation
- Sheriff’s Dept. investigation (includes photos, video, official statements)
- Jonah Shacknai testifies
- Adam Shacknai testifies in Zahau civil case
- Lead Zahau investigator testifies in civil suit
- Family attorney: Evidence disproves suicide
