Buena Park, California — A California man is facing multiple felony charges nearly a year after prosecutors say an illegal Fourth of July fireworks display turned into a deadly tragedy, killing an 8-year-old girl who was watching the celebration with her family.
According to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, 47-year-old Earl Decastro has been charged with involuntary manslaughter, recklessly setting fire causing great bodily injury, and illegally possessing more than 100 pounds of dangerous fireworks following the death of Jasmine Nguyen during a holiday gathering on July 4, 2025.
Investigators allege the deadly explosion happened after Decastro ignited an illegal firework as the finale to the neighborhood celebration.
Prosecutors Say Illegal Firework Malfunctioned During ‘Grand Finale’
Authorities said Jasmine, her mother, Haley Nguyen, and her 7-year-old sister were attending a Fourth of July party at Decastro’s Buena Park home when the incident occurred.
According to prosecutors, Decastro had spent more than an hour setting off fireworks before lighting an illegal $400 firework “cake” that had allegedly been purchased from an unlicensed seller.
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office said the firework contained professional-grade explosives, which require permits or special licensing to possess or use.
Instead of launching safely into the sky, prosecutors allege the firework malfunctioned just seconds after being lit.
“After lighting off fireworks in the street in front of his house for more than an hour, Decastro is accused of igniting the illegal $400 firework ‘cake’ as a grand finale,” the DA’s office said. “After a few seconds, the illegal firework malfunctioned and shot aerial mortar shells into the driveway where the partygoers were gathered to watch.”
Fireballs Ignited Nearby Fireworks Before Child Could Escape
Investigators said Jasmine was sitting beside her family near a covered table where additional unspent fireworks had been stored.
When the burning mortar shells flew into the crowd, they ignited the remaining fireworks, creating a series of explosions beside the child.
According to prosecutors, Jasmine was unable to get away before the fireworks detonated.
Emergency responders from the Buena Park Police Department rushed to the scene and attempted life-saving measures before transporting the girl to a nearby hospital.
Despite their efforts, Jasmine was pronounced dead shortly after arriving.
Her mother later described the terrifying moments that followed the explosion.
“It happened so quick,” Jasmine’s mom, Haley Nguyen, told The Orange County Register. “A fun day of friends turns into a nightmare.”
She added:
“Some people were bleeding through their shoes.”
Charges Filed Nearly One Year Later
Following the investigation, prosecutors formally charged Decastro with multiple felony offenses.
If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of six years in California state prison.
Despite the criminal case, Jasmine’s mother has publicly said she does not believe Decastro intentionally caused her daughter’s death.
“It really was an accident,” she told The Orange County Register.
However, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer emphasized that the use of illegal fireworks carries serious legal and safety consequences.
“There is nothing accidental about buying and lighting illegal fireworks,” Spitzer said.
He added that “An eight-year-old little girl is dead and the man who killed her is going to be held responsible,” urging people to remember Jasmine’s story before choosing to use illegal fireworks during future holiday celebrations.
The heartbreaking case serves as another reminder of the dangers associated with illegal fireworks, especially those containing professional-grade explosives. Authorities continue encouraging families to attend licensed public fireworks displays rather than using prohibited devices at home.
What do you think about this tragic case? Should penalties for using illegal fireworks be stricter to prevent similar incidents? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.