A district court judge on Monday once again adjourned a hearing for the Clinton Township store owner where an explosion and subsequent fire broke out earlier this year that resulted in one fatality.
Judge Sebastian Lucido agreed to delay a probable cause conference for Noor Kestou of Commerce Township until Dec. 3 in 41B District Court.
Kestou, 32, owner of the former Goo Smoke Shop vape store and Select Specialty warehouse, is charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of Turner Salter, 19, who was hit in the head by flying debris from the explosion at Groesbeck Highway and 15 Mile Road.
Kestou’s attorney, James Thomas, told the judge that a criminal investigation by the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is still ongoing.
As result, Thomas said, he needs additional time to gather information relating to evidence that has been collected.
Monday’s adjournment was the second delay in the case.
The fire and an hours-long series of loud explosions sent cannisters, knives and other items from the warehouse flying in central Macomb County, sending debris into the air for miles.
The EPA in late August launched a $2.7-million hazardous waste cleanup of the property, which is expected to take several months to complete.
EPA personnel in May conducted an initial cleanup to “de-gas” and recycle more than 3,500 intact compressed gas cylinders and to remove three 55-gallon drums of lithium ion batteries. They also are addressing remaining hazardous materials at the site, including cans of butane, intact compressed gas cylinders, and vaping pens.
Township officials have said the shop was illegally storing the materials onsite.
An EPA spokesperson said during its “full removal” of the rubble, the EPA will reduce air contamination as much as possible. The site will be monitored visually and with specialized equipment.
If convicted of homicide-involuntary manslaughter, Kestou faces up to 15 years in prison. He is free after posting a $500,000 bond.