Local News in Brief : Newport Beach : Judge Denies City a New Trial in Police Case

A Superior Court judge on Friday refused to order a new trial in a case involving a man who was awarded $3.5 million from the city of Newport Beach because a jury found that police did not respond adequately to his daughter’s abduction.

Jurors found in July that the city and the police watch commander in charge that night were liable in the disappearance of Lisa Marie Scozari, who was taken from her father’s custody by her mother nine years ago. The jury also awarded $325,000 to Lisa Marie, now 12.

The city sought a new trial, claiming that there was evidence of misconduct by the jury in reaching its verdict. Attorney Rick Quinlivan, who represents the city, also argued that the officers had immunity against liability for their decisions on how to handle the investigation.

Judge Judith M. Ryan, who presided over the trial, rejected those arguments during a hearing Friday.

Quinlivan said the city will file an appeal with the 4th District Court of Appeal next week.

Arthur A. Scozari filed the lawsuit in 1979, shortly after the child’s mother, Marie Anne Kennedy, disguised in a wig and sunglasses, took her from Scozari’s uncle’s home in Newport Beach. The woman was aided by a private investigator from Newport Beach.