German architect charged in ceiling collapse death of Los Angeles firefighter The USA Times

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Wednesday, May 23, 2012

German architect charged in ceiling collapse death of Los Angeles firefighter

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - The architect of a Hollywood Hills mansion where a ceiling collapsed and killed a firefighter who was trying to extinguish a blaze has pleaded not guilty to one count of involuntary manslaughter.

Gerhard Albert Becker, 48, entered his plea Wednesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

His bail was set at $2 million, and he was ordered to return to court March 1 for a preliminary hearing.

Authorities say the fire and the ceiling's collapse were caused by Becker's grossly negligent construction of the home. They say he put a fireplace on the third floor that was only meant for outside use.

Becker, a German citizen, was also the home's owner and construction contractor. He was arrested Saturday when he returned to the United States from Spain.