Jasmine Nguyen was sitting with her family at a Fourth of July party in Buena Park, California, when an illegal firework malfunctioned and killed the 8-year-old girl, prosecutors say.
Background
The tragedy occurred last year during a celebration at Earl Decastro's home on Independence Day. Jasmine, her mother Haley Nguyen, and her 7-year-old sister were among the guests gathered to watch fireworks set off in front of the house, according to the Orange County District Attorney's Office.
Prosecutors say Decastro had purchased both legal and illegal fireworks for the party, including an illegal $400 firework 'cake'—a multi-shot aerial device—that he bought from an unlicensed seller. The cake contained professional-grade explosives that require a permit or license to buy, store, transport, or use.
After lighting off fireworks in the street in front of his house for more than an hour, Decastro allegedly ignited the illegal firework 'cake' as a grand finale around 11 p.m., authorities say. Within seconds, the device malfunctioned and shot aerial mortar shells into the driveway where partygoers were gathered to watch.
Jasmine was sitting with her family next to a covered table that held additional dangerous unspent fireworks when the mortars struck the stack and ignited them before she could run to safety.
"It happened so quick," Jasmine's mother, Haley Nguyen, told The Orange County Register. "A fun day of friends turns into a nightmare."
Buena Park police responded to the scene and attempted to revive Jasmine, but their efforts were unsuccessful. She was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at a local hospital.
"Some people were bleeding through their shoes," Haley Nguyen described the chaos that followed the explosion.
The Charges
Decastro, 47, was charged this week with one felony count of involuntary manslaughter, one felony count of recklessly setting fire causing great bodily injury, and one felony count of illegally possessing more than 100 pounds of dangerous fireworks.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer emphasized that the case represents more than a tragic accident. "There is nothing accidental about buying and lighting illegal fireworks," Spitzer said in a press release. "An eight-year-old little girl is dead and the man who killed her is going to be held responsible."
"A few seconds of fun is not worth a lifetime of trauma and the loss of a beautiful little girl who never had the chance to grow up," Spitzer added. "Actions have consequences, and I would hope that anyone thinking of lighting illegal fireworks this holiday would think of little Jasmine's face first and choose instead to celebrate safely."
Decastro faces a maximum sentence of six years in state prison if convicted on all charges.
Despite the serious allegations, Jasmine's mother has expressed a different perspective on accountability. "It really was an accident," Haley Nguyen told The Orange County Register. She has reportedly said she does not believe Decastro should be punished for what happened.
Key Takeaways
- Jasmine Nguyen, 8 years old, was killed during a Fourth of July celebration at Earl Decastro's home in Buena Park, California
- Decastro allegedly purchased an illegal $400 firework 'cake' containing professional-grade explosives from an unlicensed seller
- The firework allegedly malfunctioned seconds after being lit as a grand finale, shooting mortars into the crowd and igniting unspent fireworks near Jasmine
- Decastro has been charged with involuntary manslaughter, recklessly setting fire causing great bodily injury, and illegal possession of dangerous fireworks
- He faces up to six years in state prison if convicted on all charges
- Jasmine's mother told reporters she does not believe the defendant should be punished, calling it an accident
What's Next
Decastro is expected to appear in Orange County Superior Court for arraignment on the felony charges. The case remains under investigation by the Buena Park Police Department in coordination with the Orange County District Attorney's Office. Authorities are urging the public to celebrate safely this Fourth of July and avoid using illegal fireworks, which were responsible for multiple injuries and deaths across California last year.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support Jasmine Nguyen's family during this difficult time.