Prosecutor: Berkeley balcony deaths could bring manslaughter charges

Kristin Bender / AP

Police and officials stand outside of the Library Gardens apartment complex, where a fourth floor balcony rests on the balcony below after collapsing in Berkeley, Calif., Tuesday, June 16, 2015.

By Paul Elias, Associated Press

Thursday, June 25, 2015 | 12:38 p.m.

OAKLAND, Calif. — A prosecutor says she has opened a criminal investigation into a fatal California balcony collapse that could lead to involuntary manslaughter charges.

However, Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O'Malley declined Thursday to discuss any possible target of her investigation, saying it could end with no charges being filed.

Six students were killed last week, including five from Ireland, and seven others were injured when a balcony broke from the side of Berkeley apartment building.

O'Malley announced the criminal investigation two days after city inspectors said the balcony was supported by wooden beams that had been badly rotted by water damage.