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

[x_files]

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.

I've known WAY too many people like him and his wife. Megalomanic, addicts, see themselves as saviors, very mentally/emotionally abusive conmen.

 

[Niner]

Oakland Ghost Ship bail denied as riff forms between two men

May 24, 2018
OAKLAND — A defendant in the deadly Ghost Ship warehouse fire had his hopes of getting released from jail Thursday dashed after the California Supreme Court decided to review a statewide system for determining bail.

Max Harris’ attorney had made a motion that his client be released from jail and sent to a sober living facility while awaiting trial. But Alameda County Superior Court Judge Kevin

Murphy denied the motion in light of the Supreme Court’s action less than 24 hours earlier.
[.....]
The two defendants also appeared before Judge James Cramer Thursday morning after Harris’ attorneys indicated they wanted a July 13 trial date continued. But Serra, who represents Almena, wants to keep things as they are.

It’s the first time the two defendants’ legal teams are at odds, Serra said.
[.....]
The defendants are to appear in court next on June 7 so their attorneys can argue the motion to continue the trial date.

 

[tnith]

Oakland Ghost Ship bail denied as riff forms between two men

May 24, 2018
OAKLAND — A defendant in the deadly Ghost Ship warehouse fire had his hopes of getting released from jail Thursday dashed after the California Supreme Court decided to review a statewide system for determining bail.

Max Harris’ attorney had made a motion that his client be released from jail and sent to a sober living facility while awaiting trial. But Alameda County Superior Court Judge Kevin

Murphy denied the motion in light of the Supreme Court’s action less than 24 hours earlier.
[.....]
The two defendants also appeared before Judge James Cramer Thursday morning after Harris’ attorneys indicated they wanted a July 13 trial date continued. But Serra, who represents Almena, wants to keep things as they are.

It’s the first time the two defendants’ legal teams are at odds, Serra said.
[.....]
The defendants are to appear in court next on June 7 so their attorneys can argue the motion to continue the trial date.

"Serra said his client is suffering in jail: He’s on anti-depressant medication, has gained weight and was once on suicide watch. The longer Almena stays in jail, the worse he will look before a jury, Serra added."

It's a blessing he's safe in there from these hands.

But I might be bitter about folks crisis-controlling Ions bs from afar.

 

[Niner]

Thursday, June 7th:
*Motion for Continuance of Trial - 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; both plead not guilty. They remain in custody at the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin on $750,000 bond and face up to 39 years in prison each if convicted.
2/20/18 update: Defense motion to dismiss on April 13th was moved to 5/11 Judge denied motion. Jury trial starts July 16th. Almena will testify in his own defense per his attys. Def. wants evidentiary hearing. Nothing further on this.
4/20/18 Bail denied to Almena. Bail hearing for Harris was 5/24/18-Harris will remain in jail until his trial after the California Supreme Court decided yesterday (5/23/18) to review the recent Humphrey decision, which Harris’ attorney had filed a motion to release Harris in light of the Humphrey decision. Today’s hearing – Harris’ defense attorneys want to postpone the July trial to September. The Judge will decide today.

 

[Niner]

So anyone know IF the Judge granted a continuance? I personally haven't seen any updates.

TIA!

 

[Niner]

Bumping up for locals! Anything in the papers about a continuance or is it a go for July?

TIA!

 

[Niner]

Ghost Ship criminal trial to begin in July on schedule


So - update in red:
Thursday, June 7th:
*Motion for Continuance of Trial - 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; both plead not guilty. They remain in custody at the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin on $750,000 bond and face up to 39 years in prison each if convicted. Jury trial starts July 16th. Almena will testify in his own defense per his attys. Def. wants evidentiary hearing. Nothing further on this.
2/20/18 update: Defense motion to dismiss on April 13th was moved to 5/11 Judge
denied motion.
4/20/18 Bail denied to Almena.
Bail hearing for Harris was 5/24/18-Harris will remain in jail until his trial after the California Supreme Court decided yesterday (5/23/18) to review the recent Humphrey decision, which Harris’ attorney had filed a motion to release Harris in light of the Humphrey decision. Today’s hearing – Harris’ defense attorneys want to postpone the July trial to September. The Judge will decide today, 6/7/18.
6/15/18 Update: Case is headed for its scheduled start date next month (7/16/18),
after defense attorneys on Thursday (6/7) rebuffed a plea offer and a judge denied an attempt to delay the trial. The prosecutor said the state planned to call about 50 witnesses and could take up to two months to present the entirety of its case. Both defense teams estimated that they would have about 25 witnesses of their own in total, and predicted that the trial could last up to six months.

 

[Niner]

July trial likely in Ghost Ship fire

OAKLAND >> Plea deals for the two men charged in the deadly Ghost Ship fire were discussed for the first time during a hearing Thursday afternoon, but a trial beginning next month is more likely.

For about 45 minutes, prosecutors and defense attorneys for Derick Almena and Max Harris met with Judge Morris Jacobson in his chambers to see if the criminal case could be resolved before what is expected to be a lengthy trial.
[.....]
The trial could last at least four months. Prosecutors plan to call 30 or 40 witnesses from a list of 50 potential witnesses, and Briggs and Serra expect to each call 10 to the stand.

 

[borndem]

Sounds good -- let's hope the trial is as hot for those horrible men as the weather in July!

 

[tnith]

July trial likely in Ghost Ship fire

'My client is an artist, he’s a free spirit; when you put that kind of bird in a cage they wither,” Serra told Jacobson.'

Far as I can tell, Almena's type needs nothing more than a rock to heat itself on and a biannual shedding.
He was never 'one of us', so it's nice to know Serra is attempting to destroy any and all credibility of working artists all over the bay, once and for all. As though there weren't already enough on our plates, thanks!

 

[MsMarple]

Thanks for the links Niner! Boy oh boy, this is the case that just keeps on giving - heartburn that is.

I get that the defense attorneys want to offload blame to everyone but their clients and I agree there's a lot of blame to go around. But it doesn't mean that Almena and Harris are totally blameless and therefore should walk without punishment or with a slap on the wrist.

Almena was very aware of the fire and electrical dangers in the Ghostship but scoffed at warnings that it was unsafe and ignored pleas from friends and tenants to invest the money to make improvements. Recall that he even had collected money from tenants that was supposedly earmarked for electrical upgrades but he instead pocketed the funds without making any changes.

To read Harris' attorney being quoted as saying the following burns my butt:

“We think this case needs to go to trial. We think Max Harris needs to be found innocent. And we think Max Harris needs to be released from jail right now. And anything short of that as an offer from the DA is, to me, unacceptable.”

As an attorney he darn well knows no one is found "innocent" but rather "not guilty" and he knows the legal difference.

Like tnith said so eloquently, Almena's nothing more than a snake and should not be compared to real artists.

Almena henchman Harris deserves to bask on the rock beside him - remember he helped organize the party that night and blocked the one exit that had decent stairs. He also acted as second in command when Almena was away, collecting rents and acting as "creative director" of the Ghostship.

IMO they're birds of a feather. Or maybe snakes of a scale. Whatever, they should rot. MOO.

 

[Niner]

EXCLUSIVE: Details on Ghost Ship plea deal offer

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) --
A source close to the Ghost Ship Fire case tells Dan Noyes of the ABC7 I-Team that Alameda County prosecutors offered defendant Derick Almena a deal.

In exchange for a guilty plea, Almena would receive a prison sentence of 18 years with a possibility of parole in 10. But, Almena turned it down.

 

[borndem]

EXCLUSIVE: Details on Ghost Ship plea deal offer

There's a fool born every minute. I wonder what his attorney said to him about it. We'll never know. What a horse's arse Almena is. That was a pretty good deal, IMO.

 

[Niner]

There's a fool born every minute. I wonder what his attorney said to him about it. We'll never know. What a horse's arse Almena is. That was a pretty good deal, IMO.

Hey borndem! Yes, I'd say that was a pretty good deal - 8 years vs. 39 years....

 

[tnith]

EXCLUSIVE: Details on Ghost Ship plea deal offer

Does this come with a bonfire and special guest of honor place in it?

I'll take that option please and thank you.

 

[Niner]

Oakland Ghost Ship defendants take steps toward plea deal

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) --
The defendants in the Ghost Ship Fire case took steps toward a plea deal Monday.

"We're closer. That's all I can say," said famed criminal defense attorney Tony Serra as he emerged from an Oakland courtroom.
[....]
Last week, the ABC7 News I-Team reported that Almena rejected an offer from the Alameda County District Attorney's office of 18 years in prison.

Serra would not describe the latest offer, except to characterize it as an improvement.
[.....]
Alameda County Superior Court Judge Morris Jacobson set another settlement hearing for this Friday (6/29) afternoon at 2 p.m.The negotiations themselves are held behind closed doors, in the judge's chamber.

 

[MsMarple]

Oakland Ghost Ship defendants take steps toward plea deal

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) --
The defendants in the Ghost Ship Fire case took steps toward a plea deal Monday.

"We're closer. That's all I can say," said famed criminal defense attorney Tony Serra as he emerged from an Oakland courtroom.
[....]
Last week, the ABC7 News I-Team reported that Almena rejected an offer from the Alameda County District Attorney's office of 18 years in prison.

Serra would not describe the latest offer, except to characterize it as an improvement.
[.....]
Alameda County Superior Court Judge Morris Jacobson set another settlement hearing for this Friday (6/29) afternoon at 2 p.m.The negotiations themselves are held behind closed doors, in the judge's chamber.

From your link:

However, the attorney for Harris did not seem as optimistic about a plea agreement. Curtis Briggs told us the only acceptable deal would be one where his client doesn't serve any additional jail time.

"To me, any jail time is unacceptable," said Curtis Briggs, the attorney for Harris. "It's still a very difficult scenario, and in the meantime, we're preparing for trial and we want to take advantage of this opportunity that if we do go to trial, we're going to make this the toughest case to try, in history for the prosecution."

And there's this:
Laura Anthony‏Verified account @LauraAnthony7
#DEVELOPING Attorney for #GhostShip founder Derick Almena says if there’s a plea agreement, it would be to benefit families of victims...

Serra says in the video attached to the Tweet that he "believes strongly in the innocence of my client, given all the variables. <snip> My client is not a bad person..."

Serra says (an acceptable plea deal) will eliminate the pain, suffering, anguish and agony of the relatives of the deceased.

Mmm, okay. So one attorney demands his client walk out free and the other says essentially a slap on the wrist for Almena will help the families.

I do get that a plea deal would mean that the relatives wouldn't have to go through a trial. I can't speak for them so I won't even try. So far none have expressed their feelings about it in msm but whatever happens I'm sure the DA will clear it with them so that they can live with the results.

As an outside observer I feel strongly that neither Almena nor Harris should be left off the hook completely. Again, I get that others are also responsible but let that play out separately. IMO from what I've learned about Almena and Harris and their parts in the fire I'd be sorry to see a precedent set that says music event organizers can ignore safety issues in their venues and be immune to the consequences when people die as a result.

Has no one learned from past nightclub fires? Here in the US anyway clubs (and other older buildings) are still grandfathered in and exempted from installing fire safety features such as sprinklers, plentiful extinguishers and clear egress routes.

Shame on Oakland, shame on the officials who ignored fire safety violations in the Ghostship, shame on the cops who didn't file reports, shame on the landlord. But shame on Almena and Harris too for taking advantage of artists who couldn't afford safe living space and lying about fixing the electrical problems.
MOO.

 

[KaaBoom]

From your link:

And there's this:
Laura Anthony‏Verified account @LauraAnthony7
#DEVELOPING Attorney for #GhostShip founder Derick Almena says if there’s a plea agreement, it would be to benefit families of victims...

Serra says in the video attached to the Tweet that he "believes strongly in the innocence of my client, given all the variables. <snip> My client is not a bad person..."

Serra says (an acceptable plea deal) will eliminate the pain, suffering, anguish and agony of the relatives of the deceased.

Mmm, okay. So one attorney demands his client walk out free and the other says essentially a slap on the wrist for Almena will help the families.

I do get that a plea deal would mean that the relatives wouldn't have to go through a trial. I can't speak for them so I won't even try. So far none have expressed their feelings about it in msm but whatever happens I'm sure the DA will clear it with them so that they can live with the results.

As an outside observer I feel strongly that neither Almena nor Harris should be left off the hook completely. Again, I get that others are also responsible but let that play out separately. IMO from what I've learned about Almena and Harris and their parts in the fire I'd be sorry to see a precedent set that says music event organizers can ignore safety issues in their venues and be immune to the consequences when people die as a result.

Has no one learned from past nightclub fires? Here in the US anyway clubs (and other older buildings) are still grandfathered in and exempted from installing fire safety features such as sprinklers, plentiful extinguishers and clear egress routes.

Shame on Oakland, shame on the officials who ignored fire safety violations in the Ghostship, shame on the cops who didn't file reports, shame on the landlord. But shame on Almena and Harris too for taking advantage of artists who couldn't afford safe living space and lying about fixing the electrical problems.
MOO.

I think it should go to trial. Let a jury decide.

 

[tnith]

I think it should go to trial. Let a jury decide.

I think capital punishment would be nice, but then I've thought this as the ashes fell and media chased us down and helicopters hovered for days nonstop overhead.

Nobody forced Ion to take on a huge eyesore to form a tweaker mansion hellhole, manipulate & rob from countless in our community, lie to and destroy those he professed to be his reason for living, steal electricity, hold anyone at gunpoint from recovering their equipment, or betray his wife in the most deplorable ways imaginable.

The world will move on without him.

 

[Niner]

Friday, June 29th
*Settlement Hearing (@ 2pm 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; both plead not guilty. They remain in custody at the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin on $750,000 bond and face up to 39 years in prison each if convicted. Almena will testify in his own defense per his attorneys.
Maybe a plea deal in the works. Trial starts July 16th.