Ghost Ship defendant denied release, despite arguments he's not a threat
OAKLAND — One of the Ghost Ship defendants was denied release from bail on Friday by a judge, despite his attorney’s arguments that he was not a danger to society.
Both Derick Almena, 48, along with Max Harris, 28, are former warehouse tenants each charged with 36 counts of involuntary manslaughter for the deaths of 36 people who perished in the deadly fire the night of Dec 2, 2016, at the East Oakland arts collective known as the Ghost Ship.
Almena’s attorney Tony Serra argued before Alameda County Superior Court Judge Kevin Murphy on Friday morning that he should be granted release with non-monetary alternatives, in light of a recent First District Court of Appeal decision. That decision, ordered judge’s throughout the state to reevaluate bail based on the defendant’s ability to pay, and to consider alternatives to money bail.
In his arguments, Serra said that his client was poor and could not afford bail. He also said Almena was not a threat to society and would not flee. Before being charged in this case last year, Almena did not flee and was not “hiding in the woods” but moved with his family to Lake County, Serra said.
Read more: https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2018/04/20/ghost-ship-defendant-denied-release-despite-arguments-hes-not-a-threat/
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