Crime & Safety
Farmer Indicted For Involuntary Manslaughter Over Worker's Death
A worker was killed by a spinach harvester last month. The farmer faces prison and millions of dollars in fines.
WATSONVILLE, CA — The owner of a Watsonville farm has been charged with involuntary manslaughter after his worker was killed while servicing a spinach harvester, the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office said Wednesday.
A grand jury delivered the indictment against Willoughby Farms and its owner, David Willoughby, for allegedly causing the death of 32-year-old Carlos Jimenez Cruz.
On Oct. 15, Cruz was strangled to death when the hood of his clothing was caught in a spinning shaft machine, prosecutors said.
Find out what's happening in Watsonvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The allegations against Willoughby include failing to provide adequate training to employees and failing to cover the dangerous parts of the harvester.
In addition to millions of dollars in fines, Willoughby is facing up to four years in prison if convicted.
Find out what's happening in Watsonvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Prosecutors said Willoughby Farms, which is located on Coward Road in Watsonville, has been around "for generations" growing spinach and other crops.
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