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Brother of Rebecca Zahau's boyfriend testifies in Coronado mansion death lawsuit trial

Adam Shacknai testifies in Zahau civil case
Posted at 11:58 AM, Mar 19, 2018
and last updated 2018-03-19 21:15:32-04

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - Adam Shacknai testified Monday in the wrongful death civil lawsuit filed by the family of Rebecca Zahau, whose body was found hanging at the Spreckels Mansion in Coronado.

The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s office ruled Zahau’s death was a suicide. Zahau’s family believes she was murdered at the home on 1043 Ocean Blvd.

Adam Shacknai, the brother of Zahau’s boyfriend Jonah, told investigators he removed Zahau’s body from the balcony about 6:45 a.m. the morning of July 13, 2011.

In testimony, Shacknai said he called 911.

Investigators found her body on the ground, her hands and feet bound with red rope. The same red rope was discovered hanging over the balcony.

Shacknai had been staying in the mansion's guest house at the time of Zahau's death.

RELATED: Interactive timeline of Rebecca Zahau case / Lead investigator testifies in wrongful death lawsuit / Coronado death investigation photos

Shacknai testified Monday he liked Zahau, and she liked him.

Zahau was found dead just days after the young son of her boyfriend suffered serious brain injuries after a fall at the home while he was in Zahau’s care.

6-year-old Max Shacknai died from his injuries. Authorities later ruled his death accidental.