SAN DIEGO – A jury is expected to begin deliberating next week in a civil trial involving the families of four Marines who died when their helicopter crashed into a utility tower in 2004.

Lawyers for the families argued Thursday that San Diego Gas & Electric is responsible for the deaths. They said the company knew the towers were dangerous to low-flying aircraft but failed to install lights and other safety markers.

SDG&E contended the Marine Corps bears the blame because it was obligated to notify the utility of any obstacles that could be hazardous to planes and helicopters. Attorneys for SDG&E also argued that the collision occurred outside the boundaries of a training route.

Capt. Adam E. Miller, 29; 1st Lt. Michael S. Lawlor, 26; Staff Sgt. Lori A. Privette, 27; and Cpl. Joshua D. Harris, 21, were performing low-altitude flight exercises the night of Jan. 22, 2004, when the copter hit the tower.

The plaintiffs are seeking millions of dollars in lost earnings and unspecified punitive damages in the wrongful-death lawsuit.

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