DATE: November 10, 2021, 4:30 p.m.
SUBJECT: Butane Honey Oil Lab Explosion
SUSPECTS: William Smith, 56-year-old Oxnard resident (Deceased)
Vincent McMahon, 59-year-old Oxnard resident
LOCATION: 1300 Gardenia Street, Oxnard
CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant 805-256-5121, [email protected]
On October 27, 2021 at 6:02 PM, the Oxnard Fire Department requested assistance with a structure fire that occurred in the 1300 block of Gardenia Street. Oxnard Police Officers arrived on scene and located evidence of a butane honey oil (BHO) lab. The Oxnard Drug Enforcement Unit responded to the residence and began a narcotics investigation with the assistance of the Oxnard Fire Department
DEU detectives learned that William Smith and Vincent McMahon were in the process of extracting the THC from the marijuana plants when an unknown ignition source caused an explosion and fire. Both subjects were transported by ambulance to the hospital with critical burn injuries. A 79-year-old female resident was outside of the residence when the explosion occurred. The female did not sustain any injuries and was relocated by the American Red Cross. Ventura County Adult Protective Services was notified regarding the incident.
On November 2, 2021, DEU detectives learned that William Smith died as a result of injuries he sustained in the explosion. Vincent McMahon remains hospitalized with critical injuries. The investigation is on-going.
A butane honey oil conversion lab converts marijuana into hash oil or “honey oil.” The extraction process uses parts of the marijuana plant and converts them to a more concentrated oil using butane gas in the process. Since butane is a highly-flammable gas, the extraction process is dangerous and non-regulated BHO labs pose a significant risk to public safety.
The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing narcotics related crimes in the City of Oxnard. Anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on “Report Suspicious Activity.” You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers. at (800)222-8477. You can also visit their website: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.
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