CRIME 8 arrests in Esparto fireworks blast: 5 charged with 7 counts of murder
By Daniel Lempres and Joe Rubin
Updated April 10, 2026 5:10 PM
The remains of the Esparto fireworks explosion site stand on County Road 23 on July 18, 2025, the first day the evacuation order and area road closures were lifted. By NATHANIEL LEVINE A sweeping criminal investigation into last summer’s deadly Esparto fireworks explosion culminated Thursday in multiple arrests, including a sheriff’s lieutenant, his wife and the Bay Area owner of the fireworks company long suspected of being at the center of the blast. Five of those arrested were charged with seven counts of murder — one for each victim — along with a litany of other felony charges, including conspiracy and the illegal handling and possession of fireworks. Yolo County prosecutors did not name the suspects Thursday. But online jail and court records showed at seven people connected to the July 1 fireworks explosion were arrested during the day in California and Florida. A seventh suspect, who was arrested last year, had additional charges related to the explosion added Thursday. They include Sam Machado, a Yolo County Sheriff’s Office lieutenant, and his wife Tammy Machado, who owned the property where fireworks were warehoused, were both taken into custody Thursday. Tammy Machado, who is on paid administrative leave from her job as a Sheriff’s Office employee, was bonded out shortly after booking. Sam Machado, also on leave, remains in custody, jail records show.
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