Five Charged with Murder in Deadly California Fireworks Warehouse Explosion

Fri Apr 10 2026 22:04:34 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Following a catastrophic explosion at a fireworks warehouse in Northern California, five individuals, including a former sheriff's lieutenant, have been charged with murder. The incident resulted in the deaths of seven people and raised concerns about illegal fireworks.

In the aftermath of a tragic explosion at a fireworks warehouse in Esparto, California, five individuals have been indicted for murder, including Samuel Machado, a former Yolo County Sheriff lieutenant. The explosion, linked to improperly stored illegal fireworks, resulted in seven fatalities and has prompted a comprehensive investigation involving multiple charges against eight individuals connected to the operation.

WOODLAND, Calif. (AP) — In a shocking incident in Northern California, authorities have charged five individuals with murder following a devastating explosion at a fireworks warehouse that led to the deaths of seven people. The explosion occurred near the small farming community of Esparto in Yolo County and significantly impacted Fourth of July celebrations in the area.

Yolo County Deputy District Attorney Clara Nabity announced that the charges arose from a grand jury indictment that identified the five defendants, one of whom is a former lieutenant with the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office. Samuel Machado, who owned the warehouse involved, is among those facing serious charges.

Another key figure, Kenneth Chee, proprietor of Devastating Pyrotechnics, was charged with murder for his role in storing illegal fireworks at the warehouse. Chee was apprehended in Florida and is scheduled for extradition to California. Alongside him, Jack Lee, operations manager for Devastating Pyrotechnics, and Gary Chan Jr., linked to the company's federal license, were also charged. The fifth individual charged is Douglas Tollefson, whose involvement is still being clarified.

Deputy DA Nabity emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that the fireworks involved contained explosive materials far exceeding legal limits, rendering them significantly more dangerous than typical consumer fireworks. A total of eight people now face various charges including murder, conspiracy to commit a crime, and illegal possession of assault weapons in connection with this case.

The incident significantly shook the surrounding community, with witnesses describing the explosion as being strong enough to blow open the doors of nearby homes. Residents like Nisa Gutierrez recounted the terrifying moment they felt the shockwave, drawing comparisons to the sound of a bomb.

In reaction to the explosion, local officials in adjacent counties announced changes to their Fourth of July plans, seeking alternatives for celebrations due to the destruction of their fireworks supply. The ongoing investigations will likely lead to further legal actions as the community grapples with this tragedy.