Five individuals have been charged with murder in connection with a deadly explosion at a fireworks warehouse in Northern California that killed seven people and injured two others. The incident involved illegal fireworks and a complex investigation.

Following a devastating explosion at a Northern California fireworks warehouse last summer, which tragically claimed the lives of seven individuals and left two others injured, authorities have brought murder charges against five people. The investigation, spearheaded by the Yolo County District Attorney's office, has revealed a complex web of alleged criminal activity, extending beyond the mere storage of fireworks.

Key Figures and Charges

The owner of the company responsible for the illicit fireworks, Kenneth Chee, was apprehended in Florida and has been charged with murder. Several others allegedly played key roles in the events leading up to the catastrophic blast.

The warehouse, situated in the agricultural town of Esparto, east of Sacramento, was the site of the explosion. The force of the explosion was so great that it burned across many acres and caused significant damage to neighboring residences.

The charges encompass a wide range of alleged offenses, with a total of eight individuals facing thirty charges. These include murder, conspiracy to commit a crime, and the possession of illegal assault weapons.

Individuals Facing Charges

  • Jack Lee: Served as the operations manager for Devastating Pyrotechnics.
  • Gary Chan Jr.: His name was associated with the company’s federal license.
  • Samuel Machado: Owned the warehouse and was a lieutenant with the Yolo County Sheriff's Office. He has been charged with murder.
  • Tammy Machado: Samuel Machado's wife and a non-sworn administrative employee at the Yolo County Sheriff's Office. She has also been charged with murder.
  • Douglas Tollefson: Faces charges, but his role is still under investigation and he remains at large.
  • Craig Cutright: Owner of Blackstar Fireworks, which was operating the Esparto property. He was also an employee of Devastating Pyrotechnics and a volunteer firefighter.
  • Ronald Botelho III: An employee of Cutright's, arrested in December for reckless possession of explosives, now faces thirteen additional charges.

Investigation Details

The prosecution emphasizes that the case goes beyond simple fireworks, revealing that the devices had significantly more explosive content than permitted by law.

The explosion, which occurred just before 6 p.m. on July 1, 2025, at the Devastating Pyrotechnics facility, ignited a massive fire that consumed dozens of acres of land and caused substantial damage to surrounding structures.

Yolo County Deputy District Attorney Clara Nabity stated that the incident is much more than a simple fireworks accident. The investigation and prosecution aim to determine the factors that led to the event and assign responsibility.

The investigation continues to delve into the circumstances surrounding the explosion, seeking to determine the full extent of the culpability and to bring those responsible to justice. The victims have been identified and legal proceedings are underway.