Ryan Mays is facing two charges in military courts for the July 2020 fire that caused injuries to many personnel on the amphibious assault vessel. The fire burned for five consecutive days, sending acrid smoke over San Diego.
It was one of the most serious non-combat warship accidents and it had to be scrapped.
At a December hearing, Navy prosecutors stated that Mays started the fire because he was unhappy with his Navy SEAL training. His defense lawyers claimed that there was no evidence linking him to the fire.
Mays was charged for aggravated arson as well as the willful hazarding a vessel.
Gary Barthel, defense lawyer, stated that the decision to go to trial was made despite a recommendation by a hearing officer that there was not enough evidence to convict after a December preliminary hearing.
Barthel stated that “in our view it’s that Navy’s looking for justice in the case.” “The Navy is looking to make Mays a scapegoat.
Barthel stated that Mays has always maintained innocence and looks forward for the trial to prove it.
