Overview
- Prosecutors say that on July 4, 2025 an illegal, professional‑grade firework ignited at a Buena Park Fourth of July party malfunctioned and sent mortar shells into a crowd where a nearby stash of fireworks exploded.
- The explosion fatally injured 8‑year‑old Jasmine Nguyen, who was taken to UCI Medical Center and pronounced dead shortly after arrival despite attempts to revive her.
- On July 1, 2026 the Orange County District Attorney charged 47‑year‑old Earl Decastro with one felony count of involuntary manslaughter plus counts for recklessly setting a fire that caused great bodily injury and illegal possession of dangerous fireworks.
- The DA alleges Decastro bought both legal and illegal devices for the party, including a $400 illegal firework “cake” from an unlicensed seller, and had more than 100 pounds of dangerous fireworks on the property.
- If convicted on all counts Decastro faces up to six years in state prison and the case could be used to press for stricter enforcement of permit rules and to warn the public about the risks of unlicensed professional‑grade fireworks.