Fireworks Tragedy: Man Charged After Girl's Death

A man has been charged nearly a year after prosecutors allege he ignited fireworks outside his home, leading to an explosion that killed an 8-year-old girl. The incident occurred on July 4, 2025, during a celebration.

Earl Decastro, 47, faces charges including involuntary manslaughter and illegally possessing over 100 pounds of dangerous fireworks. Prosecutors stated that Decastro purchased both legal and illegal fireworks, including a professional-grade illegal 'cake' firework. He lit fireworks for over an hour before igniting the large, illegal one for a finale.

The illegal firework malfunctioned, shooting shells into the driveway where spectators, including the victim Jasmine Nguyen, were gathered. Unspent fireworks near Jasmine then exploded, causing fatal injuries. The district attorney stressed that there was nothing accidental about using illegal fireworks, holding Decastro responsible for the tragedy.

California law classifies fireworks through testing and licensing. "Safe and Sane" fireworks are permitted in some communities, but illegal fireworks carry severe penalties, including fines up to $50,000 and jail time.