Half-baked theories about the mysterious death of Rebecca Zahau, who was found hanged after six-year-old Max Shacknai’s accidental death, should not replace a dispassionate examination of the evidence, says lawyer Roy Black.

This summer I was in Los Angeles and avidly read the news reports on the unusual deaths of six-year-old Max Shacknai and Rebecca Zahau. I envisioned the forensic evidence as grist for either my law class or my blog. I was skeptical about the bizarre details of Rebecca’s hanging and obviously so were the authorities, since four different departments worked the case: the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, Coronado Police Department, the San Diego County Medical Examiner and the California Department of Justice.

After nearly two months of intensive investigation by these four reputable law enforcement agencies, it was conclusively determined that Max’s death was an accident and Rebecca Zahau’s death was a suicide, likely triggered by overwhelming guilt and depression over Max’s imminent death.

When these police agencies reported Rebecca’s death a suicide I was even more intrigued. Fortunately the San Diego Sheriff’s Department posted reports on their findings on their website , which allowed the public, and me, an opportunity to see how they came to that surprising conclusion. Once I drilled down to the actual facts, rather than opinions, I could clearly see how it all happened. Unfortunately not all of the commentators or experts have taken the time to actually read the reports, let alone analyze them, and the result has been a variety of half-baked theories and opinions despite the facts. As Thomas Huxley warned, the “great tragedy of science is the slaying of a beautiful theory by an ugly fact,” and this case is full of ugly facts.

Stop Calling It Murder - Daily Beast

New details have emerged about the mysterious death of 32-year-old Rebecca Zahau , who was found hanged, bound and naked at a California millionaire's historic mansion.

On Friday investigators announced the case was closed and ruled her death a suicide, but Zahau's last cryptic message -- and information from the autopsy that had not been divulged during Friday's press conference -- have raised new doubts about the sheriff's conclusion.

In addition, the autopsy report revealed there were hemorrhages under Zahau's scalp, tape residue and blood on her legs, and the T-shirt that was wrapped around Zahau's neck had been partially stuffed in her mouth.

Bremner told ABCNews.com today the message scrawled in black paint is just one of the many reasons why Zahau's death warrants further investigation.

Rebecca Zahau Autopsy Reveals Startling Details - ABC News

ENCINITAS — Six years ago, a meat truck driving down an Encinitas road made an illegal U-turn and slammed into a car driven by Rebecca Howell, a former professional surfer and ex-teacher.

The fallout from that crash left Howell with numerous injuries — and also led to a lawsuit that became one of the most closely watched cases among insurance companies and plaintiffs lawyers in years.

While the issue might sound obscure, the stakes were huge — an estimated $3 billion a year in the amount of money insurance companies pay out to injured plaintiffs.

The ruling was a victory for insurance carriers but a blow to victims and their attorneys, who stand to recover far less money in such cases. Plaintiffs attorneys also contend it will lead to a windfall for corporations, which will benefit by paying out far less for defective products or other negligent acts.

Crash victim's suit may cut insurance payment - SignOnSanDiego.com

An Encinitas woman who nearly lost her leg after a taxi crashed into a crowd outside of a downtown nightclub spoke exclusively with 10News about the incident, her long road to recovery and her feelings on the cab's driver, Sam Daly.

Shortly before 2 a.m. Feb. 12, Daly's taxi veered off 6th Avenue and onto the adjacent sidewalk at about 15 mph, plowing through a group of pedestrians before crashing into the front of the Stingaree nightclub, pinning Gambale against the building and crushing her right leg, according to San Diego police.

Stingaree Crash Victim Talks To 10News - San Diego News Story - KGTV San Diego Site Web Yellow Pages A-List Businesses San Diego News National News News Archive Contact 10News 10News Team 10News To Go E-mail Alerts Get RSS Home San Diego News Weather Traffic Investigations Entertainment Staying Healthy Sports Politics Site Contents Money At The Movies Contests House And Home Food A-List City Guide Dating San Diego Jobs Real Estate Automotive About Advertise Contact Us AZTECA AMERICA Breaking News Alerts 10News For Phones RSS --> --> --> --> --> --> San Diego News Share E-Mail News Alerts Get breaking news and daily headlines. Browse all e-mail newsletters Related To Story Stingaree Crash Victim Talks To 10News Embed this Video x Email Facebook Digg Twitter Reddit Delicious Link Stingaree Crash Victim Talks To 10News Dominique Gambale Nearly Lost Leg After Sam Daly Crashes Taxi Into Nightclub Crowd POSTED: 3:17 pm PDT August 23, 2011 UPDATED: 12:59 pm PDT August 24, 2011 SAN DIEGO -- An Encinitas woman who nearly lost her leg after a taxi crashed into a crowd outside of a downtown nightclub spoke exclusively with 10News about the incident, her long road to recovery and her feelings on the cab's driver, Sam Daly. In an interview with 10News anchor Kimberly Hunt, Dominique Gambale detailed how she felt the moment after she was struck by the cab. Shortly before 2 a.m. Feb. 12, Daly's taxi veered off 6th Avenue and onto the adjacent sidewalk at about 15 mph, plowing through a group of pedestrians before crashing into the front of the Stingaree nightclub, pinning Gambale against the building and crushing her right leg, according to San Diego police. Gambale and her husband, James, were at the club celebrating Valentine's Day when in an instant her life was forever changed. "I felt something hit me. I just remember kind of flying a little bit through the air and landing on the ground … the impact of the car hitting me and hearing people screaming. I can hear my husband screaming," Gambale told 10News.

She was pushed against the building by the taxi cab. After it lurched back, Gambale dropped to the ground. "I vividly remember being on the ground," she said.

Stingaree Crash Victim Talks To 10News - KGTV San Diego

A National Association of Insurance Commissioners committee did not act on a proposal that would allow employers to exchange existing corporate-owned life insurance policies into tax-free versions...

A National Association of Insurance Commissioners committee did not act on a proposal that would allow employers to exchange existing corporate-owned life insurance policies into tax-free versions... ','', 300)" onmouseout="hideddrivetip()">NAIC Committee Passes on COLI Change, Advances Annuity Model > illustrations offered with traditional fixed and indexed annuities are not subject to any regulations but use of illustrations with fixed annuities has been growing over the past five years, and some of the documents are “pretty unrealistic,” NAIC official says....

A National Association of Insurance Commissioners committee did not act on a proposal that would allow employers to exchange existing corporate-owned life insurance policies into tax-free versions... ','', 300)" onmouseout="hideddrivetip()">NAIC Committee Passes on COLI Change, Advances Annuity Model > illustrations offered with traditional fixed and indexed annuities are not subject to any regulations but use of illustrations with fixed annuities has been growing over the past five years, and some of the documents are “pretty unrealistic,” NAIC official says.... ','', 300)" onmouseout="hideddrivetip()">NAIC Targets 'Unrealistic' Annuity Illustrations > “There is no impact on insurer investments in U.S. government and government-related securities from the actions recently taken by the rating agencies.”...

In the midst of a congressional hearing on Dodd-Frank implementation, Rep. Robert Dold, R-Ill., took a detour to ask NAIC President Susan Voss a question: "Has the NAIC become a de facto federal regulator?"...

Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyers Secure $950000 Settlement For Victim of ... - Insurance News Net (press release)

SDPD Officer David Hall, a 14-year-veteran of the force, took his own life last week before he had the chance to answer to charges of DUI and hit-and-run.

At Tuesday's memorial service, hundreds of Hall's co-workers and loved ones wanted to focus on his contributions, not his mistakes. "Dave was very well liked ... always somebody that had a smile on his face, had a great attitude. We really enjoyed working with Dave very much," said his traffic division supervisor, Lt. Tim Saelens.

Hall, once honored for having the most DUI arrests in the department, faced serious legal troubles. He was accused of driving drunk, injuring a woman driving a sport utility vehicle and leaving the accident scene. The department’s wellness unit had just met with Hall the day before he committed suicide at his Clairemont home.

Hall's colleagues acknowledged his legal battle, but said that should not define who he was. He leaves behind a wife and three children, in this tragic and sudden death that left many of his loved ones asking why.

Friends, Family Mourn Loss Of SDPD Officer - KGTV San Diego

The Southern California law firm of Gary A. Sernaker, A Professional Law Corporation opens a second office to serve product liability, auto accident, and personal injury clients in the Del Mar area.

This is an excellent opportunity to make it more convenient for my Del Mar clients to reach out. I'm excited to expand the firm's ability to serve clients here.

The San Diego personal injury lawyers of Gary A. Sernaker, A Professional Law Corporation announced it has opened a second office to serve personal injury clients in the Del Mar area. The new office is located at 853 Camino Del Mar, Suite 100 in Del Mar, California.

Representing personal injury clients for 32 years, Sernaker has received recognition from his community and peers for exceptional legal ability and high ethical standards. He has earned the prestigious designation AV(R) Preeminent(TM) Peer Review Rated (TM) by Martindale-Hubbell(R). He was the sole recipient of the San Diego consumer attorney's Trial Advocate Award for 2009. Sernaker has successfully tried lawsuits against large companies, corporations and most major insurance companies throughout California.

San Diego Injury Attorney Gary A. Sernaker Opens Second Law Office in Del Mar, CA - PR Web (press release)

The San Diego Harbor Police Department finished its investigation into a March San Diego Bay boat accident that resulted in the deaths of two people.

According to information released by Harbor Police Wednesday, the incident on March 27, 2011, was caused by the number of people on the vessel, and the condition of the boat and its equipment.

Seven members of the Chen family were on board the sailboat as it cruised on the waters between Shelter and Harbor islands. When the boat capsized, Chao Chen and his son, Jun, drowned. The family's attorney, Dave Casey, told 10News in March the Chen family's grandmother and her daughter nearly drowned in the accident.

Seven members of the Chen family were on board the sailboat as it cruised on the waters between Shelter and Harbor islands. When the boat capsized, Chao Chen and his son, Jun, drowned. The family's attorney, Dave Casey, told 10News in March the Chen family's grandmother and her daughter nearly drowned in the accident. "They both almost drowned. It was just a matter of seconds," said Casey.

Harbor Police Release Findings In Boat Accident Probe - KGTV San Diego

OCEANSIDE, Calif.--( BUSINESS WIRE )--Ryan Harris, of Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, has been nominated as a finalist in the Personal Injury/Property Damage category for the San Diego Tribune’s Top Attorneys 2011 Award. Selection as a finalist is the highest honor – only 10 finalists were named in each category.

The nomination process for this award is unique – only attorneys can nominate other attorneys for this honor. The San Diego Daily Transcript received nearly 900 nominations.

Harris made it through several rounds of peer voting – the culmination of which led him to this prestigious award. The voting process determines the best San Diego lawyers in 14 key categories within private, corporate, academic and government practices. Finalists will be published in a special edition of the newspaper on July 20.

Harris Personal Injury Lawyers uses a distinctive process of gathering information, aggressive negotiation, and litigation. The firm takes pride in its unique ability to handle cases successfully while focusing on the individual needs of each client. Harris Personal Injury Lawyers has offices in downtown San Diego, Oceanside and Newport Beach.

Ryan Harris Named Finalist for Top Attorneys 2011 Award - Business Wire (press release)

A preliminary hearing set for Thursday was rescheduled to Aug. 16 for an off-duty San Diego police motorcycle officer accused of leaving the scene after causing a traffic collision that injured a woman.

David Christopher Hall faces three years and eight months in prison if convicted of DUI and hit-and-run charges, said Deputy District Attorney Matthew Williams.

Hall also faces an allegation that his blood-alcohol level was above .15 percent at the time of the accident, which happened at about 7:30 p.m. last Feb. 22 on Murray Ridge Road.

The defendant's preliminary hearing was supposed to go forward Thursday, but defense attorney Cole Casey told Judge David Danielsen that he needed more time to review the victim's medical records.

Hearing Delayed For SDPD Officer Accused Of DUI, Hit-And-Run - KGTV San Diego