Story perspectives

Sheriff Lieutenant Among Eight Indicted for Fireworks Factory Murders

4/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Sam Machado, a sheriff lieutenant, and Kenneth Chee were arrested and charged with murder after an explosion at a Yolo County illegal fireworks factory last year.
A Yolo County grand jury indicted eight people, including Machado and Chee, on charges including second-degree murder for seven victims.
Yolo County District Attorney Clara Nabity says the indictment reveals a decade-long conspiracy involving illegal explosives, with the investigation ongoing.

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Story summary

Sam Machado, a sheriff lieutenant, and Kenneth Chee were arrested and charged with murder after an explosion at a Yolo County illegal fireworks factory last year.
A Yolo County grand jury indicted eight people, including Machado and Chee, on charges including second-degree murder for seven victims.
Yolo County District Attorney Clara Nabity says the indictment reveals a decade-long conspiracy involving illegal explosives, with the investigation ongoing.