The Defendants Named in Legal Action
The lawsuit casts a wide net, naming Kenneth Chee, owner of Devastating Pyrotechnics LLC, as a primary defendant. Craig Cutright, who served as an operator for Devastating Pyrotechnics while running his own company Blackstar Fireworks, also faces legal action. In an unusual twist, Sam Machado, a lieutenant for the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office who owned the property where the explosion occurred, is included among the defendants.
The corporate entities Devastating Pyrotechnics Inc., Devastating Pyrotechnics LLC, and Blackstar Fireworks complete the list of defendants, creating a complex web of individual and corporate liability that attorneys will need to untangle as the case proceeds.
The central allegation revolves around the defendants’ alleged failure to comply with basic safety standards—a claim that takes on devastating significance given the human toll of the explosion. While this marks the first civil lawsuit filed in connection with the tragedy, it likely won’t be the last.
The family members of victims Jesus and Jhony Ramos are also considering civil action, according to their legal representative. This suggests additional lawsuits may follow as families and affected parties seek justice and compensation for their losses.
The legal implications extend beyond civil court. Last week, the Yolo County Board of Supervisors escalated the matter by requesting California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s assistance, asking the Department of Justice to help lead the investigation into the explosion. This move indicates the potential for criminal charges depending on what investigators uncover.
