GUILTY CA - Massive fire at Oakland warehouse party, 36 dead, 2 Dec 2016 #3

[Niner]

Ghost Ship defendant attorneys file motion to dismiss; cite destroyed evidence
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2018/0...ile-motion-to-dimiss-cite-destroyed-evidence/

OAKLAND — The attorneys for Ghost Ship defendant Derick Almena filed a motion to dismiss his 36 counts of manslaughter for the deadly 2016 fire, citing that even experts do not know the cause of the fire.
[.....]
The motion to dismiss will be heard May 11 in Alameda County Superior Court.
[.....]
The two men are expected to face a jury on July 16, the tentative start of the trial ....


Motion to dismiss was originally scheduled for April 13th.

 

[tnith]

Ghost Ship defendant attorneys file motion to dismiss; cite destroyed evidence
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2018/0...ile-motion-to-dimiss-cite-destroyed-evidence/

OAKLAND — The attorneys for Ghost Ship defendant Derick Almena filed a motion to dismiss his 36 counts of manslaughter for the deadly 2016 fire, citing that even experts do not know the cause of the fire.
[.....]
The motion to dismiss will be heard May 11 in Alameda County Superior Court.
[.....]
The two men are expected to face a jury on July 16, the tentative start of the trial ....


Motion to dismiss was originally scheduled for April 13th.

Incredible.

even experts do not know the cause of the fire

Meanwhile, everyone in Oakland knows full well when city and county officials make the least admission to culpability for their raging neglect, there will be hell to pay for what has happened.

Nope, we're going to quietly shovel this all onto a raging meth head narcissist, and call it a day.

Until the next one, and the one after that.

:banghead:

 

[Niner]

Friday, April 20th:
*Bail Hearing (@ 9:30am PT) - CA - Ghost Ship Warehouse Fire in Oakland on Dec. 2, 2016 killing 36 people - Derick Ion Almena (47), and Max Harris (27), charged with 36 felony counts of involuntary manslaughter; entered their not guilty pleas. $750K bond for each. They remain in custody at the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin and face up to 39 years in prison each if convicted.
12/15/17 Update: Two California men will go to trial on involuntary manslaughter charges in the deaths of 36 partygoers in the worst building fire in the U.S. in more than a decade, a judge ruled Thursday.
2/20/18 Update: Both pled not guilty; Defense will seek to have their bail lowered or even be released on their own recognizance when they return to court on March 21 for a bail hearing. May 11th hearing on Defense motion to dismiss, and trial to start July 16th, if Defense motion to dismiss is denied.
Bail hearing postponed from March 21, 2018.

 

[Niner]

Judge denies motion to release Ghost Ship defendant Derick Almena
http://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/...ghost-ship-defendant-derick-almena/1131846977

ALAMEDA COUNTY (KRON) - A judge has denied a motion to release Derick Almena from custody.

Lawyers for the Ghost Ship master tenant tried to have him released on his own recognizance as he fights the charges against him for the massive fire in Oakland that killed 36 people in December of 2016.

This is the second time a judge has declined to release 48-year-old Almena.


and here's an article with the next court date:

https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/loc...st-Ship-Defendant-From-Custody-480423293.html

Murphy also held a bail hearing for Harris today but postponed making a ruling until May 11 to give Harris' attorneys more time to confirm that Harris would have a job and a nearby place to live if he were to be released from jail.
[.....]
On May 11, in addition to Harris' bail hearing, Judge Murphy will hold hearings on motions by Almena and Harris to have the charges against them dismissed on various legal grounds.

 

[MsMarple]

On April 20 Almena's wife Micah did another interview.

In it she claims that they kept the Ghost Ship very clean. That's a flat out lie - tenants complained about the rat problem and cat poop and about all the extension cords snaking through the warehouse that were always sparking and smoking.

She claims the pathways through the building were kept clear. Another lie. Survivors of the fire said areas were roped off to keep people from wandering. The back staircase was blocked off and the only way up or down from the second floor party was by way of the rickety homemade stairs made of old pallets.

She said they had tried to get the landlord to help get electrical system upgraded but without success. She fails to mention that Almena charged tenants extra for electrical work that he never had done. His solution was to bust a hole through to the area next door and plug into their electrical box. When he did have work done it was by unlicensed people. One electrician tried to tell Almena about the fire hazard and a consruction worker told him it should be called The Ghost Ship Death Trap but Almena just laughed it off.

Here's the clinker: Micah said:

"It was really interesting because that night I felt a strange urgency to leave and just get my kids out. I don't know why, I just felt like I didn't want to be there."

Are you freaking kidding me? Now she's claiming she had some sort of premonition about the fire? Good Lord, does she even hear what she's saying?

They're all big fat lying liars who lie and are too dumb to see how transparent their lies are. Every single lie is busted by the evidence.

:liar: :liar: :liar:

I agree that there are others who should also be held responsible but that doesn't mean that Derick Almena and Max Ohr shouldn't have to pay for their part. Ugh. I hate all three of them.

The video interview:
http://abc7news.com/ghost-ship-interview-defendants-wife-speaks-out/3368648/

http://www.ktvu.com/news/2-witnesses-describe-ghost-ship-warehouse-as-death-trap
https://www.mercurynews.com/2016/12...ssed-signs-of-looming-disaster-at-ghost-ship/

 

[borndem]

Yes, MsMarple. Y.E.S.

A disgrace to all women and honest people everywhere. What a lying you-know-what. I guess she wasn't under oath -- what a pity.

 

[tnith]

On April 20 Almena's wife Micah did another interview.

In it she claims that they kept the Ghost Ship very clean. That's a flat out lie - tenants complained about the rat problem and cat poop and about all the extension cords snaking through the warehouse that were always sparking and smoking.

She claims the pathways through the building were kept clear. Another lie. Survivors of the fire said areas were roped off to keep people from wandering. The back staircase was blocked off and the only way up or down from the second floor party was by way of the rickety homemade stairs made of old pallets.

She said they had tried to get the landlord to help get electrical system upgraded but without success. She fails to mention that Almena charged tenants extra for electrical work that he never had done. His solution was to bust a hole through to the area next door and plug into their electrical box. When he did have work done it was by unlicensed people. One electrician tried to tell Almena about the fire hazard and a consruction worker told him it should be called The Ghost Ship Death Trap but Almena just laughed it off.

Here's the clinker: Micah said:

"It was really interesting because that night I felt a strange urgency to leave and just get my kids out. I don't know why, I just felt like I didn't want to be there."

Are you freaking kidding me? Now she's claiming she had some sort of premonition about the fire? Good Lord, does she even hear what she's saying?

They're all big fat lying liars who lie and are too dumb to see how transparent their lies are. Every single lie is busted by the evidence.

:liar: :liar: :liar:

I agree that there are others who should also be held responsible but that doesn't mean that Derick Almena and Max Ohr shouldn't have to pay for their part. Ugh. I hate all three of them.

The video interview:
http://abc7news.com/ghost-ship-interview-defendants-wife-speaks-out/3368648/

http://www.ktvu.com/news/2-witnesses-describe-ghost-ship-warehouse-as-death-trap
https://www.mercurynews.com/2016/12...ssed-signs-of-looming-disaster-at-ghost-ship/

Is it a shock that a woman whose hinged her entire existence from her vision of god-in-the-flesh is exhorting his saintly ways and purity of their project?

I've been far too close to this fire and feel deeply for the family at the heart of it; but for someone who'se begged me in desperation to help her, the buck stops here.

We tried to sever the toxic tie and she still isn't ready to let go. It's all or nothing for Micah and I am so sick of dear friends who yet believe Ion can change his ways.

It's too late for all of that now.

 

[tnith]

Yes, MsMarple. Y.E.S.

A disgrace to all women and honest people everywhere. What a lying you-know-what. I guess she wasn't under oath -- what a pity.

I tend to agree, but this is a severely abused woman with a weak mind speaking out of desperation in behalf of her and her children's future. 5 years apart and given chances at life away from this hideously manipulate monster and perhaps she stands a chance.

Parts of me are quaking in outrage that anyone should say this about her.

 

[Spellbound]

tnith: Is it a shock that a woman whose hinged her entire existence from her vision of god-in-the-flesh is exhorting his saintly ways and purity of their project?

I've been far too close to this fire and feel deeply for the family at the heart of it; but for someone who'se begged me in desperation to help her, the buck stops here. We tried to sever the toxic tie and she still isn't ready to let go. It's all or nothing for Micah and I am so sick of dear friends who yet believe Ion can change his ways.

It's too late for all of that now

.

I tend to agree, but this is a severely abused woman with a weak mind speaking out of desperation in behalf of her and her children's future. 5 years apart and given chances at life away from this hideously manipulate monster and perhaps she stands a chance.

Parts of me are quaking in outrage that anyone should say this about her.

BBM

Didn’t her family try to help her get away from the situation? Are you saying she was too “weak" to accept their help?

she and Derrick have been apart for quite some time now .... why would she still be under his spell? Is she not making an effort to provide well for herself and her children now? Now is her chance, as you say.

your words sound as though you personally know Micah ... did I understand correctly? (Per bolded in quote)

 

[tnith]

.



BBM

Didn’t her family try to help her get away from the situation? Are you saying she was too “weak" to accept their help?

she and Derrick have been apart for quite some time now .... why would she still be under his spell? Is she not making an effort to provide well for herself and her children now? Now is her chance, as you say.

your words sound as though you personally know Micah ... did I understand correctly? (Per bolded in quote)

Yes, I've known Micah in her post-north California exudus to Oakland.

Long before that, Micah 'ran off with the circus' when she met Ion; she knows her family's feelings about him and what he's done to her & their children. It's a cycle repeated with many friends who wish better than she can for herself.

EVERYONE has tried to get her to a better place but if she hears his voice, reads one word he's typed, she is in thrall. Always returns/takes him back. It's hopeless.

Everything you've ever read or heard in MSM supposedly coming from her lips is just Ion's will and wishes; she lives in his shadow as some prophetic puppet, purporting madness about 'Satya Yuga' as an inevitable magical outcome of THEIR divine efforts (enter Ion's idiot drivel about 'his holy ').

Raging addiction asides, it's codependancy plain and simple. Why did Mansons' followers do what they did? He picked types who would follow him because everyone else saw through his sketchy ish.

 

[wannabeasupersleuth]

I don't comment on this thread because I live in SF and I hear it all on the news, BUT...
I agree that Almena was running something "sinister" out of that building.
What he was doing or how they were were living was illegal on many different levels.
But....
WHERE IS THE PROPERTY OWNER'S RESPONSIBILITY????????
As a renter in an SF home that I pay an extraordinarily amount of money for each month, it infuriates me that the owner likes to refuse to do the most remedial things...and the house is 103 years old.
Slum lords must be held accountable too. There's simply too many that get away with murder.

 

[Niner]

Friday, May 11th:
*Def. Motion to Dismiss Hearing - CA - Ghost Ship Warehouse Fire in Oakland on Dec. 2, 2016 killing 36 people - Derick Ion Almena (47), and Max Harris (27), charged with 36 felony counts of involuntary manslaughter; entered their not guilty pleas. $750K bond for each. They remain in custody at the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin and face up to 39 years in prison each if convicted.
2/20/18 Update: Defense will seek to have their bail lowered or even be released on their own recognizance when they return to court on March 21 for a bail hearing. April 13th hearing on Defense motion to dismiss, and jury trial to start July 16th, if Defense motion to dismiss is denied. Hearing was moved to today.
4/20/18: Judge has denied a motion to release Derick Almena from custody. On May 11th, Judge will hold hearings on motions by Almena and Harris (also have bail hearing today) to have the charges against them dismissed on various legal grounds.

 

[Lilibet]

Yes, I've known Micah in her post-north California exudus to Oakland.

Long before that, Micah 'ran off with the circus' when she met Ion; she knows her family's feelings about him and what he's done to her & their children. It's a cycle repeated with many friends who wish better than she can for herself.

EVERYONE has tried to get her to a better place but if she hears his voice, reads one word he's typed, she is in thrall. Always returns/takes him back. It's hopeless.

Everything you've ever read or heard in MSM supposedly coming from her lips is just Ion's will and wishes; she lives in his shadow as some prophetic puppet, purporting madness about 'Satya Yuga' as an inevitable magical outcome of THEIR divine efforts (enter Ion's idiot drivel about 'his holy ').

Raging addiction asides, it's codependancy plain and simple. Why did Mansons' followers do what they did? He picked types who would follow him because everyone else saw through his sketchy ish.

BBM

Thank you for your insight into Micah. It’s clear that she has lost touch with reality, thanks to Ion. But Manson’s followers were held responsible for what they did, whether under the thrall of his Helter Skelter madness or not. Here on WS we see too many cases of women being complicit for their own sick reasons as their man does unspeakable things to their children and others. These women are held accountable, regardless of their vulnerability to such men. Micah is quite fortunate she has escaped legal accountability for her part in the Ghost Ship horror. I poured over her FB page (not MSM) in the immediate aftermath, and what I saw was a narcissist, impressed with her own “beauty” and “spiritual advancement,” loving the admiration of her devoted followers as the co-leader of Ghost Ship/Satya Yuga. I realize that narcissists are deeply insecure, so that ties in with what you say about her hopeless attraction to Ion. But it doesn’t excuse her blindness to consequences.

You may or may not be aware that Websleuths member gitana lost her sister-in-law in this fire. We walked with her in spirit through this horror, and are none too sympathetic toward anyone but the children in Ion’s family. Micah needs to stop rubbing salt into wounds and just keep silent about her “losses.” She may be a “victim” of Ion’s in a psychological sense, but she still has her life, her children and a future, unlike the true victims of the Ghost Ship.
JMO

 

[Spellbound]

Thank you, Lilibet. you expressed what I could not put into words.

 

[tnith]

BBM

Thank you for your insight into Micah. It’s clear that she has lost touch with reality, thanks to Ion. But Manson’s followers were held responsible for what they did, whether under the thrall of his Helter Skelter madness or not. Here on WS we see too many cases of women being complicit for their own sick reasons as their man does unspeakable things to their children and others. These women are held accountable, regardless of their vulnerability to such men. Micah is quite fortunate she has escaped legal accountability for her part in the Ghost Ship horror. I poured over her FB page (not MSM) in the immediate aftermath, and what I saw was a narcissist, impressed with her own “beauty” and “spiritual advancement,” loving the admiration of her devoted followers as the co-leader of Ghost Ship/Satya Yuga. I realize that narcissists are deeply insecure, so that ties in with what you say about her hopeless attraction to Ion. But it doesn’t excuse her blindness to consequences.

You may or may not be aware that Websleuths member gitana lost her sister-in-law in this fire. We walked with her in spirit through this horror, and are none too sympathetic toward anyone but the children in Ion’s family. Micah needs to stop rubbing salt into wounds and just keep silent about her “losses.” She may be a “victim” of Ion’s in a psychological sense, but she still has her life, her children and a future, unlike the true victims of the Ghost Ship.
JMO

Oh my GOD. It's not so shocking to know how far this hellish event struck as much as that others here dealt with the mulitfaceted horrors firsthand- my cell phone & emails looked like 9-11 all over again & I barely ever recall that mess in light of all else.
I'm so incredibly sorry for all you've gone through facing & grieving this nightmare. It never ends. I never go near that part of town myself and pray Ion never walks free to do it again.

This 'warehouse' (eyesore/hellpit/slumhole) tried to fit into a series of arts collectives along this strip of International- our theatre was at 23rd & frequently took on events that considered Satya Yuga as a host. Many places along e. 12th held underground parties and a few notorious ones were labyrithian works in themselves.
Our friend circles knew this space wasn't ok and reflected on other dangers of being there; one even swore he'd never go back but lived right down the street and dropped by 'for a few' before claiming he'd be right back because another friend performing asked him to help set up.

It was first friday, has anyone even noticed the citywide event's place in this!?

Moving on.
You see what's left behind, and what Ion still tries to do. It's not pity I speak from but the difference of years around these 2.
Micah & my friends' children went to school only 2 blocks from our building- my impression of Micah in local community was the opposite of narcissistic; she didn't put herself first but struggled with something in her personality.
You see Ion's use of her, as a tool of his self aggrandizing insanity, and her devotion to a dangerous man who manipulated her trust, children, connections and dreams... she'd do anything for him, and did many things she'd never have chosen to do if not pressed hard by Ion to prove herself (as he whined and wheedled anyone else who showed faith in his crackpottery).

I avoid others I used to be close with, because they too STILL believe in this rampant a**hole & effort themselves to accept him- charisma is overated in my opinion.

But like I've said... it's way beyond too late now.

 

[Niner]

Found an article before the bail hearing was held - anyone have a more recent article on whether bail was granted or not?? TIA!

Ghost Ship case presents unique test for landmark bail ruling
https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/05...resents-unique-test-for-landmark-bail-ruling/

OAKLAND — A landmark state court ruling that orders judges to consider jail alternatives for criminal defendants too poor to afford bail gets one of its stiffest tests Friday (5/11/18) when the men blamed for the notorious 2016 Ghost Ship fire make a plea for freedom as they head toward trial.

A judge will hear defense attorneys’ motions to dismiss the case against Derick Almena and Max Harris and to keep them from being held in jail during the trial, which is scheduled to begin July 16.
[.....]
The two Ghost Ship defendants are not considered public safety risks, given that their alleged crimes involve gross negligence and recklessness as opposed to physical violence.
[.....]
Almena’s attorney Tony Serra, an iconoclastic criminal-defense attorney famous for taking cases with long odds, said the $750,000 bail for Almena and Harris — which technically has already been lowered, from $1.08 million — is “a pre-conviction penalty” driven by a political desire to have a tidy villain for the Ghost Ship tragedy.
[.....]
Both the judge and prosecutors asserted that Lake County is just too far away to reliably monitor Almena and ensure he shows up to court. In fact, they deemed the family’s lack of local ties and property made the 140-mile distance a “head start” if he decided to flee court supervision.
[.....]
Serra said he will consider appealing the bail decision to a higher court if he can’t get the case dismissed outright Friday, which even he admits is, like many aspects of the case, a long shot.

 

[Niner]

Motion to dismiss charges against Ghost Ship fire suspects denied
http://abc7news.com/motion-to-dismiss-charges-against-ghost-ship-fire-suspects-denied/3459469/

Friday, May 11, 2018 05:20PM
OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) --
The Ghost Ship fire case was back in court in Oakland with Max Harris' attorney offering to pay out of his own pocket for a "sober living arrangement" in an appeal to get him bailed out of jail.
[.....]
Harris' attorney offered to use his own money to help pay for Harris' living arrangements with an electronic ankle monitor based on a new landmark state court ruling requiring judges to consider alternatives to jail for criminal defendants who can't afford cash bail.
[.....]
A judge turned down a motion to dismiss those charges Thursday..... His attorney, Tony Serra said, "We intend at trial to put our client on, so Mr. Almena will be testifying and he'll be testifying on his own behalf. "
[.....]
Attorneys are also pushing for an evidentiary hearing before the trial judge.
[.....]
Max Harris will be back in court on May 24 for a bail hearing. The Ghost Ship trial is set to begin on July 16.

 

[tnith]

Motion to dismiss charges against Ghost Ship fire suspects denied
http://abc7news.com/motion-to-dismiss-charges-against-ghost-ship-fire-suspects-denied/3459469/

Friday, May 11, 2018 05:20PM
OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) --
The Ghost Ship fire case was back in court in Oakland with Max Harris' attorney offering to pay out of his own pocket for a "sober living arrangement" in an appeal to get him bailed out of jail.
[.....]
Harris' attorney offered to use his own money to help pay for Harris' living arrangements with an electronic ankle monitor based on a new landmark state court ruling requiring judges to consider alternatives to jail for criminal defendants who can't afford cash bail.
[.....]
A judge turned down a motion to dismiss those charges Thursday..... His attorney, Tony Serra said, "We intend at trial to put our client on, so Mr. Almena will be testifying and he'll be testifying on his own behalf. "
[.....]
Attorneys are also pushing for an evidentiary hearing before the trial judge.
[.....]
Max Harris will be back in court on May 24 for a bail hearing. The Ghost Ship trial is set to begin on July 16.

Have been on tenterhooks to know that none of Ions' asinine efforts will grant him freedom. Simply seeing that Harris may be considered seems much too close to paving that trail for Almena.
No matter what is published, it's never enough reassurance that this bumbling, self obsessed methmonkey stays FAR AWAY from the rest of the free world for the rest of his days.

Of course I don't like where the trial is headed, but it's infuriatingly insulting that ONLY a few years per lost life is eligible as retribution against this absolute a-hole.

Granting myself this one day to mourn and emotionally indulge in what I can't afford to deal with the rest of my life, out of pure necessity for functionality.

 

[Niner]

Wednesday, May 24th:

*Bail Hearing (for Max Harris) - CA - Ghost Ship Warehouse Fire in Oakland on Dec. 2, 2016 killing 36 people - Derick Ion Almena (47), and Max Harris (27), charged with 36 felony counts of involuntary manslaughter; entered not guilty pleas. $750K bond for each. They remain in custody at the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin and face up to 39 years in prison each if convicted.
2/20/18 Update: Defense will seek to have their bail lowered or even be released on their own recognizance when they return to court on 3/21/18 for a bail hearing.
4/13/18 hearing on Defense motion to dismiss, and jury trial to start July 16th, if Defense motion to dismiss is denied.
4/20/18: Judge has denied a motion to release Derick Almena from
custody. On 5/11/18, Judge held hearings on motions by Almena and Harris to have the charges against them dismissed on various legal grounds.
5/11/18: A judge turned down a motion to dismiss those charges on
Thursday. Denied!

 

[x_files]

I don't comment on this thread because I live in SF and I hear it all on the news, BUT...
I agree that Almena was running something "sinister" out of that building.
What he was doing or how they were were living was illegal on many different levels.
But....
WHERE IS THE PROPERTY OWNER'S RESPONSIBILITY????????
As a renter in an SF home that I pay an extraordinarily amount of money for each month, it infuriates me that the owner likes to refuse to do the most remedial things...and the house is 103 years old.
Slum lords must be held accountable too. There's simply too many that get away with murder.

agreed!