Published • loading... • Updated
Five people charged with murder in deadly Northern California fireworks warehouse explosion
Authorities say the blast involved illegal fireworks stored at the warehouse, and a grand jury found five people responsible for the deaths of seven victims.
- On Friday, authorities announced that five individuals face murder charges in connection with the July 1, 2025, fireworks warehouse explosion in Esparto, California, which killed seven people.
- The blast occurred at a warehouse owned by then-Yolo County Sheriff lieutenant Samuel Machado, where Kenneth Chee's San Francisco-based Devastating Pyrotechnics stored excessive, illegal explosives.
- Eight defendants now face 30 charges including murder, conspiracy, and possession of illegal assault weapons, Yolo County Deputy District Attorney Clara Nabity reported Friday.
- Authorities arrested Machado, Blackstar Fireworks owner Craig Cutright, Devastating Pyrotechnic operations manager Jack Lee, and federal license holder Gary Chan Jr. on Thursday; Chee was apprehended in Florida.
Insights by Ground AI
41 Articles
41 Articles
Sheriff's lieutenant with million-pound fireworks stash led to deadly blast, prosecutors say
Samuel Machado is accused of illegally having 1 million pounds of fireworks on his property at the time of the blast and using his law enforcement position to shield the illicit operation from scrutiny for years, according to the Yolo County district attorney’s office.
·Los Angeles, United States
Read Full ArticleCoverage Details
Total News Sources41
Leaning Left13Leaning Right3Center20Last UpdatedBias Distribution56% Center
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources are Center
56% Center
L 36%
C 56%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium














