A few months ago, two proprietors from the Ghost Ship were arrested and charged with 36 counts of involuntary manslaughter. Derick Almena and Max Harris pleased not guilty according to the East Bay and San Francisco Chronicle. Almena led the artist collective and was the building’s master tenant. Harris was the creative director.
Both Almena and Harris entered their pleas in Alameda County Superior Court in Oakland. Both men’s lawyers said others were to blame for the deadly December 2nd fire, criticizing the building’s owner and calling the charges “unfair.”
Another hearing is set to take place on November 13th to decide if the case will head to trial. Prosecutors say Almena and Harris could face 39 years in prison.
Those killed in the Ghost Ship fire included producer and artist Joey Casio, Them Are Us Too’s Cash Askew, and 100% Silk artists Nackt and Cherushii.