TULSA — A Tulsa-area businessman has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder after an explosion at a marijuana extraction facility early Thursday that killed two employees and damaged neighboring businesses, prosecutors said.
Suspect turned himself in; heavy bond set
Thirty-five-year-old Ryan Bassham surrendered to authorities over the weekend and was booked into the Tulsa County jail, according to prosecutors. He posted a $2 million bond and was released. Court records did not list an attorney for Bassham and contact information for him or the business was not immediately available.
Two employees killed; investigators cite unlawful manufacturing of hazardous chemicals
The two victims, identified by the Tulsa County district attorney’s office as Michael Newman and Stephen Scott, worked for Bassham. Prosecutors said their investigation indicates the employees were unlawfully producing hazardous chemicals that resulted in the explosion.
The blast occurred about 1 a.m. and partially tore the roof from the building, crumpled doors and scattered debris across an industrial park, according to court records and agency statements. While several nearby businesses suffered damage, authorities said no additional people were harmed.
Fire marshal findings and hazardous materials at the site
Records show an inspection by a fire marshal in January found the facility — operating as Solos Extracts — had an outdated fire suppression system and equipment often used in marijuana product manufacturing. After the explosion, investigators returned and reported finding large quantities of liquid propane and other hazardous materials that had not been present during the January visit.
Investigators said the business had been seeking an updated marijuana license and a narcotics registration. Medical marijuana is legal in Oklahoma, but state regulations place limits on how extraction and manufacturing operations must control flammable solvents and other risks.
Victim account, emergency response
According to court documents, Newman told a paramedic while being transported to the hospital that the work area had not been well ventilated and that the explosion occurred after he unplugged an item. He was conscious when emergency crews arrived but later died at the hospital.
Authorities did not report any additional injuries among first responders or the public.
Ownership timeline and neighborhood impact
Investigators allege Bassham acquired the Solos Extracts business earlier this year. Neighbors and other owners of nearby marijuana manufacturing businesses told police they had interactions with Bassham in recent months. The blast disrupted operations at the surrounding industrial park and left several businesses with structural and interior damage.
- Suspect: Ryan Bassham, 35
- Charges: Two counts of first-degree murder
- Bond: $2,000,000
- Time of explosion: ~1 a.m.
- Facility: Solos Extracts (marijuana extraction/manufacturing)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Victims | Michael Newman; Stephen Scott |
| Initial inspection (Jan.) | Outdated suppression system; manufacturing equipment present |
| Post-explosion findings | Large amounts of liquid propane and other hazardous materials |
Legal and regulatory context
Prosecutors say the criminal case rests on their conclusion that hazardous chemicals were being unlawfully produced, which led to the fatal blast. Oklahoma’s medical marijuana program permits licensed cultivation and processing, but state law and safety codes require strict controls around solvent-based extraction methods because of the risk of fire and explosion when flammable materials are mishandled or improperly stored.
Investigators and regulators often examine staffing, training, ventilation, electrical equipment and storage of solvents when probing such incidents. Court documents indicate the fire marshal’s earlier inspection raised concerns that were not fully addressed by the time of the explosion.
Next steps
The Tulsa County district attorney’s office has filed first-degree murder charges against Bassham. The case remains under active investigation and prosecutors have not released all evidence. The Associated Press and local authorities have left messages with representatives who previously worked with Bassham.
Neighbors and business owners in the industrial park are coping with property damage and questions about compliance and safety oversight. The incident underscores continuing safety challenges tied to solvent-based extraction in the state's growing marijuana industry.
Further court proceedings and a detailed investigative report are expected as the district attorney’s office moves the case forward.
