Ghost Ship Fire Verdict: Mother of victim upset after acquittal, mistrial

Thursday, September 5, 2019
OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Emotions ran high after the verdict in the Ghost Ship fire trial came down. Family members expressed their disappointment with the decision.

RELATED: Ghost Ship Fire Verdict: Aunt of victim says hearing verdict was 'horrible'

Mary Vega, whose son Alex died along with his girlfriend Michela Gregory in the warehouse fire, spoke with media after the verdict was read.

"I'm just upset," she said. "My son and his girlfriend died and is this in vain?"

Vega went on to say, "Max is guilty! They didn't find him guilty-I don't know why."

VIDEO: Remembering the Oakland Ghost Ship Fire victims
Remembering those lost in the Oakland Ghost Ship Fire


Twenty-nine-year-old defendant Max Harris was acquitted on all 36 counts of involuntary manslaughter, the judge declared a mistrial for 49-year-old Derick Almena. The jury foreman says they voted 10-2 in favor of conviction for Almena, but couldn't break the deadlock with multiple votes.

The defense attorneys for both men also spoke out, taking aim at the city of Oakland.

Take a look at the latest stories and videos about the Ghost Ship Fire trial.

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