Hombre de Oklahoma acusado de asesinato después de 2 muertos en explosión en una instalación de extracción de marihuana

An Oklahoma man has been charged with murder after a deadly explosion at a marijuana extraction facility killed two of his employees, according to prosecutors. Ryan Bassham, 35, turned himself in over the weekend following charges of two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the incident that occurred on Thursday at Solos Extracts near Tulsa. The blast, which took place around 1 a.m., caused partial damage to the building's roof, crushed doors, and scattered debris throughout an industrial park. Bassham was taken into custody and released after posting a $2 million bond. Court records show he does not have an attorney listed, and contact information for him and the business remains unavailable. The Associated Press attempted to reach out to a law firm that previously represented Bassham but was unable to connect. The two deceased individuals, Michael Newman and Stephen Scott, were both employees of Bassham, according to Adam Jones, a spokesperson for the Tulsa County district attorney’s office. Prosecutors allege that the employees were engaged in unlawful manufacturing of hazardous chemicals, which led to the explosion. A fire marshal informed authorities that the business was pursuing an updated marijuana license and narcotics registration, despite medical marijuana being legal in Oklahoma. Court documents reveal that Newman, one of the victims, told a paramedic during transport to the hospital that the area had poor ventilation and that the explosion occurred after he unplugged something. He remained conscious upon arrival but later succumbed to injuries at the hospital. No other individuals were injured in the blast, though several nearby businesses sustained damage. Investigators believe Bassham acquired Solos Extracts earlier this year. A fire marshal conducted an inspection in January and discovered an outdated fire suppression system and equipment typically associated with marijuana production. Upon returning to the site after the explosion, the marshal found substantial quantities of liquid propane and other hazardous materials that were not present during the previous inspection. The owner of a neighboring marijuana manufacturing business reported speaking with Bassham earlier this year after detecting elevated levels of carbon dioxide on a building sensor. This individual described experiencing dizziness upon entering the building, raising concerns about safety conditions within the facility. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in regulating marijuana operations, particularly regarding safety protocols and compliance with state laws. As investigations continue, authorities will likely focus on determining whether Bassham knowingly violated safety standards or failed to maintain proper oversight of his operation. The case underscores the risks associated with illegal or unregulated chemical processes in industrial settings.