The Latest: Defense seeks to shift blame for warehouse fire

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — The Latest on California warehouse fire trial (all times local):

11:45 a.m.

A defense attorney told jurors his clients is a family man and artist wrongly charged with 36 counts of involuntary manslaughter in connection with a Northern California warehouse fire that killed three dozen people.

Derick Almena's attorney, Tony Serra, also told jurors during opening statements on Wednesday that others are to blame for the Dec. 2, 2016, Oakland warehouse fire that killed 36 people attending an unpermitted concert. Serra blamed Oakland building department officials for failing to inspect the building annually as required by city law. He also said arson is to blame for the fire. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigators could not determine the cause of the fire.

Almena rented the warehouse, and prosecutors say he illegally converted it into a residence and entertainment venue. Max Harris is also charged with 36 counts of manslaughter. Prosecutors say Harris helped Almena collect rent and schedule concerts.

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12:05 a.m.

A defense attorney is expected to counter a prosecutor's emotional opening statement by attempting to deflect blame from his client charged with 36 counts of involuntary manslaughter in connection with a Northern California warehouse fire that killed three dozen people.

Derick Almena rented the Oakland warehouse and is accused of illegally converting it into an unlicensed living space and entertainment venue lacking fire prevention equipment like sprinklers and smoke detectors. The Dec. 2, 2016, fire killed 36 people.

Almena's attorney Tony Serra says he will tell the jury Wednesday that others, including Oakland's fire and building departments, are to blame for the fire for failing to inspect the warehouse...