LOS ANGELES (AP) - A German architect who built and designed a sprawling
mansion in the Hollywood Hills pleaded not guilty to manslaughter Wednesday
in the death of a firefighter who was killed battling a blaze when a ceiling
saturated with water collapsed on him.. Gerhard Albert Becker, who also
owned the home, entered his plea in Los Angeles County Superior Court. He
was jailed on $2 million bail and ordered to return to court March 1 for a
preliminary hearing.Becker was also the home's construction contractor, and
authorities say the shoddy way he put it together, including putting a
fireplace on the third floor that was designed only for outside use, led to
the fire.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/story/2...ath/53110684/1

So, how does a "deathtrap" like this manage to pass inspection in the first
place?

--
Bobby G.