BUENA PARK, California — An 8-year-old girl came to a Fourth of July party with her family. She never made it home.
Jasmine Nguyen was killed last year when an illegal firework exploded next to her at a neighborhood party in Buena Park. Now, the man who lit it is facing criminal charges.
What Happened That Night
Earl Decastro, 47, had been setting off fireworks in front of his home for over an hour when he lit a $400 illegal firework “cake” as his grand finale.
Within seconds, the device malfunctioned. It shot aerial mortar shells into the driveway where partygoers — including Jasmine, her mother, and her 7-year-old sister — were watching.
The mortars ignited a stack of unspent fireworks sitting nearby. Jasmine was right next to them and had no time to run.
Police arrived and tried to revive her. She was pronounced dead shortly after reaching the hospital.
The Charges He Now Faces
Decastro was charged this week with involuntary manslaughter, recklessly causing great bodily injury by fire, and illegally possessing over 100 pounds of dangerous fireworks.
Prosecutors say the firework “cake” contained professional-grade explosives that require a permit to buy, store, or use. He reportedly purchased it from an unlicensed seller.
If convicted, he faces up to six years in state prison.
A Family Torn on Justice
Jasmine’s mother, Haley Nguyen, described the night as a nightmare that unfolded in seconds.
“It happened so quick,” she said. “A fun day of friends turns into a nightmare.”
Despite losing her daughter, Nguyen says she does not believe Decastro should be punished. “It really was an accident,” she said.
The district attorney disagrees.
“There is nothing accidental about buying and lighting illegal fireworks,” Orange County DA Todd Spitzer said. “An eight-year-old little girl is dead and the man who killed her is going to be held responsible.”
Do you think criminal charges are the right response in a case like this? Share your thoughts in the comments.
