NAPA, Calif. – The daughter of a psychiatric hospital nurse who was strangled has taken the first step toward suing the state over security lapses she claims led to the killing.
Anna Bock filed a claim with the California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board.
The claim filed this week says an alarm belt that victim Donna Gross tried to activate did not work in an outdoor courtyard when a Napa State Hospital patient confronted her in October.
Jess Willard Massey has pleaded not guilty to murder and robbery in the death.
The claim alleges the 37-year-old Massey was given access to hospital grounds even though he had threatened a fellow patient.
A lawsuit could be filed if the claims board does not agree to a settlement.
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