SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – The man accused of running an at-home drug lab that caused a deadly explosion in San Francisco's Sunset District last week made his first court appearance on Wednesday.
Darren Price, 53, was in tears throughout the ten minute court proceedings — which were meant to be his arraignment, but his attorney Sierra Villaran successfully argued that it should be moved to Friday, saying there was too much new evidence to go over.
Villaran kept her hand on Price's back the whole time as he put his red, shaking face in his hands to cry.
"The charges were involuntary manslaughter, as well as manufacturing of a controlled substance, cannabis in this case, as well as child endangerment and elder abuse," Randy Quezada, an aide to District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, explained what Price is facing.
Villaran was able to prevent an order from the DA's office that would've stopped Price from being able to speak to his teenage kids, whose mother died in the home explosion.
The explosion is believed to have been caused by a spark in the dryer room where cannabis was being processed into hash oil.
"When they are facing what will likely be the most difficult moments of their entire life, the bare minimum they should be allowed to speak," Villaran said. "He has an incredible amount of love for them and he is so concerned about them and their wellbeing right now."
Villaran said she believes her client will be completely exonerated from the charges.
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