Train wreck accused pleaded not guilty

The man accused of causing a deadly train wreck during an aborted suicide attempt last month pleaded not guilty to 11 counts of murder that could bring the death penalty.

Juan Manuel Alvarez, 25, parked a vehicle on the tracks on January 26 but lost his nerve and jumped out in time to see two commuter trains crash in suburban Glendale, authorities said.

Investigators said he stabbed himself and slashed his wrists after the crash, but no injuries could be seen in court yesterday.

Alvarez also pleaded not guilty to arson. Authorities said he poured gasoline on himself before the crash in another suicide attempt, but then changed his mind.

Defence lawyer Eric Chase said he believes Alvarez was suffering from an untreated mental illness.