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

[MsMarple]

for Monday, June 10:

Ghost Ship trial: Defense witness says group of men was 'ecstatic' about deadly fire

Oh for Pete's sake! This witness should not have been allowed to testify. For one thing, she changed her story. She told the jury she saw "14 to 19" Latino men (after saying "Spaniards" then correcting herself to "Mexican-American" and "possibly some type of gang" ) run out of the building appearing "happy" about the fire that had just begun.

Originally she told investigators:
- There were 7 to 10 men, not 14 to 19. (how were they missed by everyone else?)
- She heard the men saying something about putting wood inside the building. (because there wasn't enough wood in the GS already??)
- She witnessed smoke coming out of the building and saw the men exiting the building around 9:30 or 9:45 p.m. (the fire started just after 11 pm.)
- She circled the block "20 times" after witnessing smoke coming out of the warehouse, saying she wondered why it took firefighters so long to arrive. (fire station was just down the street and firefighters responded in minutes)

And there is no - zero - evidence of arson. Defense attorney Tony Serra told reporters Monday that Evans "embodies our defense." I want to know how many tacos he had to buy to get this testimony.

The second witness testified he saw:

...a couple of men in dark clothing fleeing from the rear of the warehouse just as the fire began. Russell testified Monday that he heard a scuffle, or some sort of significant fight, from inside the trailer he was living in, housed in the rear of the warehouse, near where the fire is believed to have broken out. He looked outside the trailer after someone shouted "Fire!" and saw the men running toward the front exit.

How does that corroborate Evans' tale? It doesn't. The same guy also told a story about:

...a woman who may have been drugs standing at the foot of the stairs. Russell describes a woman in a red beanie and green dress who was shouting up to the event-goers, "This is the will of the spirit of the forest. Don’t come down the stairs, there’s a fire."

That also has nothing to do with arson. The "scuffle" most likely came from people madly trying to get out of the building.
Defense Calls Two Witnesses Who Seem To Support Arson Claim In Ghost Ship Trial

In 2017 Russell told investigators the red beanie woman was sitting in a wicker chair outside of his Airstream trailer, not standing by the stairs. He also said he wasn't sure she escaped the fire. No woman of that description was found, dead or alive. Maybe he was high? MOO.
‘Like a horror movie’: woman told Ghost Ship guests to stay in burning warehouse

I'm furious that Serra is trying to cause reasonable doubt with these spurious accounts. I know it's his job but I feel like he's grasping at straws and counting on the jurors to not fully grasp what happened that night. If this is the best he has to offer then I can only hope the jurors see through his ploy.

 

[Niner]

Totally agree with you MsMarple - about these witnesses. Especially the first witness - Evans. From 7 to 10 to 14 - 19 men.... But I guess that's what defense attorneys do - grasp at straws.

 

[Niner]

Wednesday, June 12th:
*Trial continues (Day 22) (@ 9:30am PT) - CA - Ghost Ship Warehouse Fire in Oakland on Dec. 2, 2016 killing 36 people: Cash Askew, age 22, Em B (Em Bohlka), 33, Jonathan Bernbaum, 34, Barrett Clark, 35, David Cline, 24, Micah Danemayer, 28, Billy Dixon, 35, Chelsea Dolan, 33, Alex Ghassan, 35, Nick Gomez-Hall, 25, Michela Gregory, 20, Sara Hoda, 30, Travis Hough, 35, Johnny Igaz, 34, Ara Jo, 29, Donna Kellogg, 32, Amanda Kershaw, 34, Edmond Lapine, 34, Griffin Madden, 23, Joseph Matlock, 36, Jason McCarty, 36, Draven McGill, 17, Jennifer Mendiola, 35, Jennifer Morris, 21, Feral Pines, 29, Vanessa Plotkin, 21, Wolfgang Renner, 61, Hanna Ruax, 32, Benjamin Runnels, 32, Nicole Siegrist, 29, Michele Sylvan, 37, Jennifer Kiyomi Tanouye, 31, Alex Vega, 22, Peter Wadsworth, 38, Nick Walrath, 31, and Brandon Chase Wittenauer, 32. - *Derick Ion Almena (47), and *Max Cardin Harris (27), charged (8/10/17) 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.
Trial started April 30, 2019 with opening statements & continued on May 1 with testimony which began on May 6. Trial is expected to take 12 to 18 weeks. Jurors: 9 women/3 men (4 alternates; 5/1: One alternate juror removed due to work hardship. 5/9: one alternate juror removed as “veracity” issues). Court dark on Fridays.
Trial will be dark on 6/14, Warriors won game 5, will be dark on 6/17 if they win game 6 and dark on 6/19 if there is a game 7.
Court hearings, Jury selection & Trial Days (1 thru 19) from 8/10/18 thru 6/6/19 reference post #778 here:
CA - Massive fire at Oakland warehouse party, 36 dead, 2 Dec 2016 #3
6/10/19 Day 20: Defense witnesses: Nita Sturiale ( Harris’ former mentor & adviser, spoke as a character witness). Sharon Evans (she saw several men acting “ecstatic” & congratulating each other just minutes after the deadly Oakland warehouse fire had erupted nearby). Michael Russell (was a tenant at the Ghost Ship warehouse). Oakland Fire Battalion Chief James Bowron. Trial continues on 6/11.
6/11/19 Day 21: No info yet. Trial continues on 6/12.

 

[tnith]

for Monday, June 10:

Ghost Ship trial: Defense witness says group of men was 'ecstatic' about deadly fire

Knowing many still connected to this couple, this has been their recent go to excuse to 'deflect' responsibility from artist communities rather than simply disown and allow a toxic manipulative individual fall under the weight of his own drug addled actions.

The entire premise has been 'save his family' and lie at all costs because somehow this will 'save us all' from being demonized and bear the brunt of responsibility for future housing ills!

It's nothing more than a vague rumor created in the weeks after the tragedy which has festered in the party scene for a few years till their fears this year drove it to an acceptable pitch and voila, here we are.

There was never an 'evil fairy' at the bottom of the stairs laughing. No gang laughing. Just a bunch if idiots desperately hoping Almena can get out (a changed man-hah!) and it will all go away.

 

[Niner]

Thursday, June 13th:
*Trial continues (Day 23) (@ 9:30am PT) - CA - Ghost Ship Warehouse Fire in Oakland on Dec. 2, 2016 killing 36 people: Cash Askew, age 22, Em B (Em Bohlka), 33, Jonathan Bernbaum, 34, Barrett Clark, 35, David Cline, 24, Micah Danemayer, 28, Billy Dixon, 35, Chelsea Dolan, 33, Alex Ghassan, 35, Nick Gomez-Hall, 25, Michela Gregory, 20, Sara Hoda, 30, Travis Hough, 35, Johnny Igaz, 34, Ara Jo, 29, Donna Kellogg, 32, Amanda Kershaw, 34, Edmond Lapine, 34, Griffin Madden, 23, Joseph Matlock, 36, Jason McCarty, 36, Draven McGill, 17, Jennifer Mendiola, 35, Jennifer Morris, 21, Feral Pines, 29, Vanessa Plotkin, 21, Wolfgang Renner, 61, Hanna Ruax, 32, Benjamin Runnels, 32, Nicole Siegrist, 29, Michele Sylvan, 37, Jennifer Kiyomi Tanouye, 31, Alex Vega, 22, Peter Wadsworth, 38, Nick Walrath, 31, and Brandon Chase Wittenauer, 32. - *Derick Ion Almena (47), and *Max Cardin Harris (27), charged (8/10/17) 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.
Trial started April 30, 2019 with opening statements & continued on May 1 with testimony which began on May 6. Trial is expected to take 12 to 18 weeks. Jurors: 9 women/3 men (4 alternates; 5/1: One alternate juror removed due to work hardship. 5/9: one alternate juror removed as “veracity” issues). Court dark on Fridays.
Trial will be dark on 6/14, Warriors won game 5, will be dark on 6/17 if they win game 6 and dark on 6/19 if there is a game 7.
Court hearings, Jury selection & Trial Days (1 thru 19) from 8/10/18 thru 6/6/19 reference post #778 here:
CA - Massive fire at Oakland warehouse party, 36 dead, 2 Dec 2016 #3
6/10/19 Day 20: Defense witnesses: Nita Sturiale ( Harris’ former mentor & adviser, spoke as a character witness). Sharon Evans (she saw several men acting “ecstatic” & congratulating each other just minutes after the deadly Oakland warehouse fire had erupted nearby). Michael Russell (was a tenant at the Ghost Ship warehouse). Oakland Fire Battalion Chief James Bowron. Trial continues on 6/11.
6/11/19 Day 21: No info yet. Trial continues on 6/12.
6/13/19 Day 22: No info yet. Trial continues on 6/13.

 

[MsMarple]

Max Harris character witnesses:

Alex Goldman, who attended college with Harris in Boston, Massachusetts, also lived with him in Oakland from 2013 to 2015. The two are friends and “nonbiological brothers,” Goldman said.

Called as a character witness, Goldman said he trusts Harris completely. He also called Harris “immaculate” in reference to questions by defense attorney Tyler Smith about his care and caution.

“He continues to be a role model for me,” he said.

Also on the stand was Harris’ friend Elissa Roy, who has known Harris for six years and previously lived with him. Smiling through most of her testimony, Roy also referred to Harris’ character and said he was honest.

Alameda County Assistant District Attorney Casey Bates asked Roy if Harris told her he held a certain job, would she believe him? She said yes. Harris signed his emails as “executive director” of the Ghost Ship warehouse, and boasted in his Tinder messages about his involvement in the GS.

Nita Sturiale, a professor at Massachusetts College of Art and Design where Harris attended and was his advisor said he was “driven by that desire to be honest.”
Oakland Ghost Ship trial: Witnesses call Max Harris 'honest'
Yawn. Trial continues tomorrow.

 

[Niner]

Hmmm... the blog on this case is only updated to 6/10. So I'm missing "who" was on the stand for the defense for Tuesday, 6/11.
If you find anything - please post! TIA!
@MsMarple

 

[MsMarple]

Hmmm... the blog on this case is only updated to 6/10. So I'm missing "who" was on the stand for the defense for Tuesday, 6/11.
If you find anything - please post! TIA!
@MsMarple

I think Tuesday was a day off. Evans, Russell and Oakland Fire Department battalion chief James Bowron testified on Monday. This article said the defense will continue calling witnesses on Wednesday.
Ghost Ship Trial: Defense Calls Key Witness to Support Arson Claim

Wednesday was the testimony of character witnesses for Max Harris.
Oakland Ghost Ship trial: Witnesses call Max Harris 'honest'

 

[Niner]

Thank you MsMarple! That makes sense on why the "blog" wasn't updated for 6/11. I shall correct my notes!

 

[Niner]

Okay - are there any basketball fans here? Warriors are playing the Raptors on Friday, 6/14 - so NO court on that day. Now IF the Warriors win - there will be NO court on Monday, 6/17.

So I will need someone to tell me on Saturday - whether the Warriors lost or won. I don't get those basketball games over here....

TIA!

 

[MsMarple]

From Thursday:
The prosecution played a portion of a police body camera video footage from one such visit outside the warehouse in 2015 by Oakland Police Officer Brian Kline. In it, Kline asks Harris if anyone lives at the warehouse. The prosecution alleges Harris lied to police during the visit.

“We’re here, it’s just 24 hours,” Harris responds, referring to artists who worked inside.

Mike Funkhouser, a former Ghost Ship tenant, testified Thursday about Harris’ character, saying that he never knew his friend and former roommate to lie.

“(Max) is someone I can always count on to tell the truth, even if it is self-inflicting,” Funkhouser said.
One Ghost Ship defense case nears end; defendant expected to take the stand – The Mercury News

In cross examination the DA asked Funkhouser if he would change his mind if he saw the video of Harris lying. He said no, that Max wouldn't spew lies and was probably terrified.

Another character witness was Russell Butler who was a DJ the night of the fire. He talked about an event he organized at the Ghost Ship in 2016. He paid $1,000 to rent the space which he gave to Max Harris who helped him coordinate the event. 200 to 300 people attended.

The article also chronicles the role Harris played at the GS, which his attorney has tried to downplay. Unfortunately for Harris the prosecutors have ample evidence that he was more than just the "creative director" and had more involvement in the daily operations of the GS.

So far I'm not impressed with Harris' character witnesses. I'm looking forward to Almeda's defense portion, which should begin on Tuesday (or Wednesday if there's no court on Monday).

If there's court on Monday the testimony is supposed to be live-streamed. Harris is expected to take the stand.

Alameda County Superior Court Judge Trina Thompson told Almena's lawyer Tony Serra to be ready to start calling witnesses on Tuesday afternoon, as she doesn't want to waste time because the courthouse will have to be closed on Wednesday if the Golden State Warriors win the NBA championship and there's a parade in Oakland that day.

Ghost Ship Fire Trial: Witness Thinks Harris is Truthful

 

[Jax49]

Okay - are there any basketball fans here? Warriors are playing the Raptors on Friday, 6/14 - so NO court on that day. Now IF the Warriors win - there will be NO court on Monday, 6/17.

So I will need someone to tell me on Saturday - whether the Warriors lost or won. I don't get those basketball games over here....

TIA!

Game 6 is being played now (6/13). I'll update after the game.

 

[Jax49]

Okay - are there any basketball fans here? Warriors are playing the Raptors on Friday, 6/14 - so NO court on that day. Now IF the Warriors win - there will be NO court on Monday, 6/17.

So I will need someone to tell me on Saturday - whether the Warriors lost or won. I don't get those basketball games over here....

TIA!

dbm - see next post

 

[Jax49]

Spoiler

Warriors lost.

 

[Niner]

So the Warriors lost - so trial today, correct? Or are they still dark on Fridays?

TIA!

Please correct my next post, if I have something wrong!

 

[Niner]

Friday, June 14th:
*Trial continues-DARK TODAY! (@ 9:30am PT) - CA - Ghost Ship Warehouse Fire in Oakland on Dec. 2, 2016 killing 36 people: Cash Askew, age 22, Em B (Em Bohlka), 33, Jonathan Bernbaum, 34, Barrett Clark, 35, David Cline, 24, Micah Danemayer, 28, Billy Dixon, 35, Chelsea Dolan, 33, Alex Ghassan, 35, Nick Gomez-Hall, 25, Michela Gregory, 20, Sara Hoda, 30, Travis Hough, 35, Johnny Igaz, 34, Ara Jo, 29, Donna Kellogg, 32, Amanda Kershaw, 34, Edmond Lapine, 34, Griffin Madden, 23, Joseph Matlock, 36, Jason McCarty, 36, Draven McGill, 17, Jennifer Mendiola, 35, Jennifer Morris, 21, Feral Pines, 29, Vanessa Plotkin, 21, Wolfgang Renner, 61, Hanna Ruax, 32, Benjamin Runnels, 32, Nicole Siegrist, 29, Michele Sylvan, 37, Jennifer Kiyomi Tanouye, 31, Alex Vega, 22, Peter Wadsworth, 38, Nick Walrath, 31, and Brandon Chase Wittenauer, 32. - *Derick Ion Almena (47), and *Max Cardin Harris (27), charged (8/10/17) 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 (was $1.8M) and face up to 39 years in prison each if convicted.
Trial started April 30, 2019 with opening statements & continued on May 1 with testimony which began on May 6. Trial is expected to take 12 to 18 weeks. Jurors: 9 women/3 men (4 alternates; 5/1: One alternate juror removed due to work hardship. 5/9: one alternate juror removed as “veracity” issues). Court dark on Fridays.
Court hearings, Jury selection & Trial Days (1 thru 20) from 8/10/18 thru 6/10/19 reference post #785 here:
CA - Massive fire at Oakland warehouse party, 36 dead, 2 Dec 2016 #3
6/11/19: No trial today. Trial continues on 6/12.
6/12/19 Day 21: Defense witnesses: Alex Goldman, who attended college with Harris. Elissa Roy, Harris' friend. Nita Sturiale, a professor at Massachusetts College of Art and Design, which Harris attended. Trial continues on 6/13.
6/13/19 Day 22: Defense witnesses: Oakland Police Officer Brian Kline. Mike Funkhouser (a former Ghost Ship tenant). Russell Butler (who was a DJ the night of the fire). Alameda County Superior Court Judge Trina Thompson told Almena's lawyer Tony Serra to be ready to start calling witnesses on Tuesday afternoon. Harris is set to take the witness stand Monday. Trial continues on 6/17. Dark on Fridays.

 

[Niner]

Monday, June 17th:
*Trial continues- (Day 23) (@ 9:30am PT) - CA - Ghost Ship Warehouse Fire in Oakland on Dec. 2, 2016 killing 36 people: Cash Askew, age 22, Em B (Em Bohlka), 33, Jonathan Bernbaum, 34, Barrett Clark, 35, David Cline, 24, Micah Danemayer, 28, Billy Dixon, 35, Chelsea Dolan, 33, Alex Ghassan, 35, Nick Gomez-Hall, 25, Michela Gregory, 20, Sara Hoda, 30, Travis Hough, 35, Johnny Igaz, 34, Ara Jo, 29, Donna Kellogg, 32, Amanda Kershaw, 34, Edmond Lapine, 34, Griffin Madden, 23, Joseph Matlock, 36, Jason McCarty, 36, Draven McGill, 17, Jennifer Mendiola, 35, Jennifer Morris, 21, Feral Pines, 29, Vanessa Plotkin, 21, Wolfgang Renner, 61, Hanna Ruax, 32, Benjamin Runnels, 32, Nicole Siegrist, 29, Michele Sylvan, 37, Jennifer Kiyomi Tanouye, 31, Alex Vega, 22, Peter Wadsworth, 38, Nick Walrath, 31, and Brandon Chase Wittenauer, 32. - *Derick Ion Almena (47), and *Max Cardin Harris (27), charged (8/10/17) 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 (was $1.8M) and face up to 39 years in prison each if convicted.
Trial started April 30, 2019 with opening statements & continued on May 1 with testimony which began on May 6. Trial is expected to take 12 to 18 weeks. Jurors: 9 women/3 men (4 alternates; 5/1: One alternate juror removed due to work hardship. 5/9: one alternate juror removed as “veracity” issues). Court dark on Fridays.
Court hearings, Jury selection & Trial Days (1 thru 20) from 8/10/18 thru 6/10/19 reference post #785 here:
CA - Massive fire at Oakland warehouse party, 36 dead, 2 Dec 2016 #3
6/11/19: No trial today. Trial continues on 6/12.
6/12/19 Day 21: Defense witnesses: Alex Goldman, who attended college with Harris. Elissa Roy, Harris' friend. Nita Sturiale, a professor at Massachusetts College of Art and Design, which Harris attended. Trial continues on 6/13.
6/13/19 Day 22: Defense witnesses: Oakland Police Officer Brian Kline. Mike Funkhouser (a former Ghost Ship tenant). Russell Butler (who was a DJ the night of the fire). Alameda County Superior Court Judge Trina Thompson told Almena's lawyer Tony Serra to be ready to start calling witnesses on Tuesday afternoon. Harris is set to take the witness stand Monday. Trial continues on 6/17.

 

[Niner]

For Monday, June 17th:

KTVU's Ghost Ship trial courtroom blog

 

[Niner]

Tuesday, June 18th:
*Trial continues- (Day 24) (@ 9:30am PT) - CA - Ghost Ship Warehouse Fire in Oakland on Dec. 2, 2016 killing 36 people: Cash Askew, age 22, Em B (Em Bohlka), 33, Jonathan Bernbaum, 34, Barrett Clark, 35, David Cline, 24, Micah Danemayer, 28, Billy Dixon, 35, Chelsea Dolan, 33, Alex Ghassan, 35, Nick Gomez-Hall, 25, Michela Gregory, 20, Sara Hoda, 30, Travis Hough, 35, Johnny Igaz, 34, Ara Jo, 29, Donna Kellogg, 32, Amanda Kershaw, 34, Edmond Lapine, 34, Griffin Madden, 23, Joseph Matlock, 36, Jason McCarty, 36, Draven McGill, 17, Jennifer Mendiola, 35, Jennifer Morris, 21, Feral Pines, 29, Vanessa Plotkin, 21, Wolfgang Renner, 61, Hanna Ruax, 32, Benjamin Runnels, 32, Nicole Siegrist, 29, Michele Sylvan, 37, Jennifer Kiyomi Tanouye, 31, Alex Vega, 22, Peter Wadsworth, 38, Nick Walrath, 31, and Brandon Chase Wittenauer, 32. - *Derick Ion Almena (47), and *Max Cardin Harris (27), charged (8/10/17) 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 (was $1.8M) and face up to 39 years in prison each if convicted.
Trial started April 30, 2019 with opening statements & continued on May 1 with testimony which began on May 6. Trial is expected to take 12 to 18 weeks. Jurors: 9 women/3 men (4 alternates; 5/1: One alternate juror removed due to work hardship. 5/9: one alternate juror removed as “veracity” issues). Court dark on Fridays.
Court hearings, Jury selection & Trial Days (1 thru 22) from 8/10/18 thru 6/13/19 reference post 796 here:
CA - Massive fire at Oakland warehouse party, 36 dead, 2 Dec 2016 #3
6/17/19 Day 23: Defense witness: Max Harris. Will continue testimony on 6/18.

 

[MsMarple]

For Monday, June 17th:

KTVU's Ghost Ship trial courtroom blog

Thanks! So Harris denied there were any safety concerns about the GS and if he had been aware of any he's have followed up. Yeah, right; that's an outright lie as we saw in previous articles and interviews.

And the oh so truthful Harris admitted to lying to police, so much for the "honest" Max from the character witnesses. He was concerned the tenants would become homeless if he told the truth and besides, the officer had an "antagonistic tone." He said the title "creative director" was just a whim. I think he and his lawyer protesteth too much.

More lies:

When defense attorney Tyler Smith showed Harris pre-fire photos of the warehouse that prosecutors have used to show the extent of the flammable clutter inside that they say created a death trap, Harris testified that the photos did not accurately depict what the warehouse looked like in December 2016. He said it was much cleaner.
...
“He’s my friend, my roommate and, in some ways, my mentor,” Harris testified, slowly swiveling in his chair.

The victims' family members didn't buy the lies for a minute.
Ghost Ship defendant Max Harris testifies: Warehouse was not a tinderbox

I remember Harris' Instagram - he portrayed himself as second in command and boasted about his important position.

Harris wrapped up his direct examination by saying there were many things he wished he would have done differently to prevent the tragic fire.

“There’s an infinite number of things I wish I would have done that night and the years prior,” Harris said, adding that he dreams about it often.
...
Harris repeatedly claimed a management role of the warehouse before the fire, but on Tuesday he said he was trying to sound “officious.”

Ghost Ship defendant admits lying to police about people living at warehouse