He Lit the Firework. Moments Later, an 8-Year-Old Was Dead

A Fourth of July party in 2025 has led to criminal charges a year later for the California host. Prosecutors on Monday charged 47-year-old Earl Decastro of Buena Park with involuntary manslaughter in the death of 8-year-old Jasmine Nguyen, who was killed when a large, illegal firework malfunctioned at his home, according to the Orange County District Attorney's Office. Investigators say Decastro bought both legal and illegal fireworks, including a $400 "cake" loaded with professional-grade explosives that require a permit, reports KTLA.

After more than an hour of backyard pyrotechnics, he allegedly lit that device as a finale; when it misfired, mortar shells shot into the driveway where partygoers were gathered, igniting other unopened fireworks near Jasmine and her family. The girl died shortly after being taken to a hospital. Her mother, who survived the explosion, says the family never wanted charges against DeCastro, per CBS News. Regardless, he now faces one count of involuntary manslaughter, charges related to recklessly setting a fire that caused great bodily injury, and illegal possession of more than 100 pounds of dangerous fireworks. He faces up to six years in prison if convicted.