Architect Who Designed and Built Home in Which Firefighter Died Is Charged in Manslaughter Case
Updated: A German architect who designed and oversaw the construction of a Hollywood Hills mansion in which a Los Angeles firefighter died last year has been charged with involuntary manslaughter.
Gerhard Albert Becker, 48, was arrested Saturday when he arrived at the Los Angeles airport from Spain and is being held without bail. He is expected to be arraigned this afternoon in Los Angeles Superior Court, according to KABC and the L.A. Now blog of the Los Angeles Times.
Authorities contend the home contained an 18-foot fire trough that was the source of the fatal blaze. It allegedly melted plastic sprinkler pipes in the attic, which flooded the ceiling insulation and then caused the ceiling to collapse due to the weight of the water. Firefighter Glenn Allen, 61, died in the blaze, and others were injured.
The article doesn’t include any comment from Becker or his counsel.
A subsequent ABAJournal.com post provides additional details about the case:
Fireplaces in $11M Home Were Made of Drywall, Officials Say in Manslaughter Case Against Architect
Updated on Feb. 16 to link to subsequent ABAJournal.com post.
