Trial begins in Oates case

The trial for a Huntington Beach man accused of killing a 14-year-old boy more than two years ago began today with opening arguments.

Jeffrey Woods is accused of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs with injury.

Fourteen-year-old Danny Oates was riding his bike along Indianapolis Avenue and Everglades Lane when he was hit by Woods’ truck Aug. 29, 2007.

Prosecutors say Woods was speeding, driving under the influence of Vicodin and Xanax and texting at the time of the collision.

Woods pleaded not guilty to all charges in December 2008 and has been out on $100,000 bail.

After opening arguments, five witnesses testified today, Paul Oates, Danny’s father, said. The courtroom was packed with Oates supporters, but many of them couldn’t come because of school, Oates said.

The day was long and stressful for the Oates family, who could have to wait as long as Nov. 4 for the trial to finish, he said.

“My stomach’s upside down. I can’t sleep . . . I’m looking forward to the day it is done,” he said.

The trial will continue at 10 a.m. Tuesday in courtroom C-39 at the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana.

— Britney Barnes