California IN BRIEF : MERCED COUNTY : Stayner Family Files $5-Million Claim

The family of former kidnap victim Steven Stayner has filed a $5-million claim against Merced County alleging negligence in Stayner’s fatal accident. The claim, filed by San Francisco attorney Melvin Belli, alleges that Stayner, 24, died because the county and the public works department improperly maintained the road on which Stayner was killed when a car pulled into the path of his motorcycle in September. The driver of the car has been charged with felony hit-run driving. The county was negligent for not providing warning devices to caution drivers of the road, which the claim alleged was unsafe. The claim was filed on behalf of Stayner’s widow, Jody, and the couple’s two children. County Counsel Dennis Myers had no comment. Stayner became well-known when he was returned to his family at age 14 after seven years as a kidnap victim.