Buena Park man charged with manslaughter after fireworks

A Buena Park man has been charged with involuntary manslaughter nearly a year after a backyard fireworks display malfunctioned, killing an 8-year-old girl during a Fourth of July celebration. Earl Decastro, 47, faces felony charges for his role in the death of Jasmine Nguyen of Anaheim.

The incident occurred on July 4, 2025, at Decastro’s home on Cornflower Circle. Jasmine was attending a holiday party with her mother and 7-year-old sister. According to prosecutors, Decastro had purchased a mix of legal and illegal fireworks, including a large, professional-grade device known as a “400 firework cake,” which he obtained from an unlicensed seller. Authorities state he spent over an hour lighting fireworks in the street before setting off the large device as a finale.

The firework malfunctioned, firing aerial mortar shells directly into the driveway where guests were gathered instead of shooting safely upward. As partygoers ran for cover into the house, a stack of unspent fireworks near Jasmine caught fire and exploded. The young girl sustained severe blast injuries.

Patrolling officers in the area responded immediately and assisted the family. Jasmine was rushed to UCI Medical...