Crime & Safety

Murder Suspect Out of Coma After Jumping off Cliff

David Viens comes out of coma after nearly 90-foot fall off RPV cliff. He likely will be arrested for his missing Lomita wife's murder.

After a nearly 90-foot fall Wednesday, David Viens has emerged from his coma and likely will be arrested for his missing Lomita wife's murder.

Viens jumped from a cliff near the 31500 block of Palos Verdes Drive West about 9:15 a.m. Wednesday.

He remains in critical condition at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. If Viens survives, he'll be charged with the murder of Dawn Viens, who has been missing since Oct. 18, 2009.

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Viens underwent several hours of surgery Wednesday for numerous broken
bones and is expected to undergo more medical procedures, sheriff's Lt. Dave Coleman said.

Investigators had information Viens' vehicle was near Palos Verdes Drive West on Wednesday. When deputies arrived at the vehicle, they saw it drive away and followed it to Point Vicente Light House, sheriff's officials reported. They then saw Viens and his girlfriend in an altercation.

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When police ordered Viens to stop what they believed was an act of domestic violence, Viens released his girlfriend, ran, and jumped off of the cliff, according to sheriff's officials.

Viens' case status was upgraded to murder suspect before he jumped.

Investigator's had found "traces of blood spattered in various locations of (Viens') house," sheriff's Lt. Dave Coleman said.

City News Service contributed to this report.


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