In December 2016, 36 people were killed at DIY spot "Ghost Ship" in Oakland after a fire broke out. At the time, the spot had substandard exits resulting in people getting trapped during the chaos that ensued when the fire occurred. Building property manager Derick Almena and venue Creative Director Max Harris were each charged with 36 counts of involuntary manslaughter. Prosecutors alleged that the pair created a fire hazard by blocking off exits, loading the venue with flammable material, and having a lack of fire extinguishers. They each faced a possible 39 years in prison.

In July 2018, both men accepted a plea deal offer from the prosecutor where they would accept six to nine years in prison. However, the presiding judge rejected the plea deal, stating that the men did not accept “full responsibility and remorse.” Therefore, the matter was set for trial.

Earlier this week, the criminal trial in the matter ended. Harris was acquitted of all charges by a 12 person jury. For Almena, the jury deadlocked, resulting in a hung jury. The court will reconvene in October to determine future trial proceedings for Almena. Both men still face multiple outstanding civil actions.