A man recently pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter after a gender reveal photoshoot. The photoshoot, organized by Refugio Jimenez Jr. and Angelina Jimenez, led to a Southern California fire in 2020. The El Dorado Fire, which claimed the life of a brave firefighter, erupted on September 5, 2020, as the family staged a photo shoot for their baby’s gender reveal.
Amidseveres conditions, a smoke-generating pyrotechnic device was ignited in a field, setting dry grass ablaze. In an attempt to control the fire, the couple used bottled water and quickly dialed 911 for help, according to authorities. However, the winds made the California fire burn aggressively.
Due to strong winds, the fire spread through the wilderness on national forest land approximately 75 miles (120 kilometers) east of Los Angeles. On September 17, 2020, Charles Morton, the 39-year-old Big Bear Interagency Hotshot leader, died.
The tragic death was due to the flames that overran their position. Morton, with an 18-year tenure as a firefighter, had dedicated most of his career to the U.S. Forest Service. On Friday, February 9, 2024, the San Bernardino County district attorney revealed that Refugio pleaded guilty to one charge of involuntary manslaughter.
ALSO READ: Oklahoma Judge Steps Down After Footage Shows Her Texting During Murder Trial
Additionally, he pleaded guilty to two other charges of recklessly causing a fire to an inhabited structure. Scheduled for custody on February 23, 2024, Refugio will serve a one-year jail term. Moreover, his sentence includes two years of felony probation and a requirement to complete 200 hours of community service.
Similarly, his wife, Angelina, pleaded guilty to three misdemeanor counts of recklessly causing fire to the property of another. Her sentence includes a year of summary probation and an obligation to perform 400 hours of community service. Additionally, the couple will be paying a considerable restitution of $1,789,972.
In a news release, District Attorney Jason Anderson stated that “Resolving the case was never going to be a win.” He offered his condolences to Morton’s family. He said again, “To the victims who lost so much, including their homes with valuables and memories, we understand those intangibles can never be replaced.”
In September 2023, marking the third anniversary of the California fire ignition, the U.S. Forest Service initiated a lawsuit. The suit was against the manufacturers, distributors, sellers of the pyrotechnic device, and the couple.
ALSO READ: Authorities Arrest California Man Caught on Video Swiping Dozens of iPhones From Apple Store!
The lawsuit alleges that the “Smoke Bombs” used were illegal in California and were defective. Mike Scafiddi, representing Refugio, stated that the couple is eager to address the California fire publicly, its impact on the community, and Morton’s death.
However, due to the ongoing federal litigation, they cannot. Scafiddi says the couple has “prayed every night” for Mr. Morton and his family since the sad incident. Scafiddi also shared with The Associated Press that Morton’s death deeply affected the couple.
Notably, Scafiddi stated that Refugio had researched and tested the pyrotechnic device before the unfortunate California fire that day. He claimed there were no issues online or during the testing. The incident “was unforeseeable in all minds,” according to him.
Contrary to the public statements, Scafiddi clarified that the couple did not host a gender-reveal party. He said it was a photo shoot to discover the baby’s gender with the couple, a few relatives, and their children.
You Might Also Like:
Police Neutralize Female Shooter, 5-Year-Old Injured in Unfortunate Incident
Fearless Arizona Teen Dives Into Icy Waters To Rescue Man Submerged in Lake Mishap
Canada Officials Arrest Man in Connection to Death of 5, Including Children
Beyoncé Announces New Country Singles, Breaks the Internet
Oklahoma Judge Steps Down After Footage Shows Her Texting During Murder Trial
