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Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com

Published - Saturday, July 19, 2008

Franco lawyer can argue boyfriend was driving van

MARSHALL, Minn. (AP) — A judge is ruling that a woman accused of driving a van into a school bus full of students can present evidence her boyfriend was driving.

Lyon County District Judge David Peterson ruled this week the attorney for Olga Marina Franco Del Cid can make the argument in court.

Also, lawyer Manuel Guerrero may argue the boyfriend's alleged flight is evidence of his guilt. The boyfriend, Francisco S. Mendoza, has not been found.

Prosecutors claim Franco was driving the van that crashed into a school bus in February near Cottonwood, killing four Lakeview School students.

Franco's trial is scheduled to start in Kandiyohi County District Court in Willmar on July 28. Peterson previously granted a change of venue from Marshall.