SF home explosion suspect to be released from jail under strict house arrest, judge says

BySuzanne Phan KGO logo
Saturday, February 18, 2023
SF home explosion suspect to be released from jail under house arrest
SF home explosion suspect to be released from jail under house arrestDarron Price, accused in the deadly home explosion in San Francisco that killed his wife, has been released from jail under house arrest orders.

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The man accused in the deadly home explosion in San Francisco that killed his wife can be released from jail under strict house arrest orders.

Darron Price, 53, appeared in court Friday, where the judge said he did not act with malice or intent to harm others, just negligence.

His arraignment has been postponed until next week as he faces charges of involuntary manslaughter, manufacturing drugs, and child endangerment.

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The judge says Price did not act with malice or intent to harm others, just negligence.

Because the explosion destroyed his home, Price will be detained in a house approved by the sheriff's department with stringent restrictions. He has 15 days to find a home approved by the department.

The judge said the conditions for Price's release are strict. Law enforcement can search Price, his car, electronic devices, and residence at any time.

Deputies will monitor Price's home detention and Price will be able to see and talk to his teenage kids -but not about the explosion.

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The deputy public defender explained that Price is upset about losing the love of his life in the home explosion. She said Price worked as a contractor flipping houses and met his wife a kitchen designer. They had been married for eight years.

Rita Price, 51, died in the blast and her caregiver was severely injured.

"We're really relieved that Mr. Price is going to be released," said Sierra Villaran, Deputy Public Defender. "We are relieved that he will be out of custody. That he can start participating in the arrangements for the funeral for his wife and also be connected with his children and support them at this time."

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On Thursday, court documents indicated that Price "used a volatile solvent to chemically extract concentrated cannabis within 300 feet of an occupied residence..."

During his first court appearance on Wednesday, prosecutors say butane vapors from the drug lab Price operated in his home may have interacted with a dryer and that caused the explosion.

According to the San Francisco DA's office, investigators recovered "suspected butane tanks, ovens, and other materials consistent with processing hash oil with volatile solvents."

Price has a prior conviction for first-degree burglary back in 1993.

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