Manslaughter charges added in Kingsbridge house explosion

The two men charged in connection with a house explosion that killed a firefighter returned to court Tuesday to face new manslaughter charges.
Julio Salcedo and Garibaldi Castillo already faced a slew of charges in connection with an alleged marijuana growing operation that led to the explosion, which killed FDNY Deputy Chief Michael Fahy. The previous charges against them include criminal possession of marijuana and six counts of assault. They now each face an additional charge of second-degree manslaughter.
Fahy was at the scene on West 234th Street in Kingsbridge when the home exploded. Falling debris struck and killed him.
Police say the men illegally altered a gas line to fuel their growing operation, which ultimately led to the explosion. Defense attorneys for both men say the explosion and the marijuana plants had no connection.
"Their initial theory of the case was completely wrong," one of the lawyers told News 12. "And we think even more evidence will show less involvement by our clients."
At the arraignment on new charges Tuesday, prosecutors asked the judge to increase bail for both men to $750,001. Their lawyers criticized that request.
Both men pleaded not guilty and will return to court in September.