Tunnel House Owner Makes First Court Appearance

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A Bethesda man who built tunnels under his home, reportedly because he was afraid of a bombing, appeared in court Wednesday for a hearing relating to the death of a 21-year-old man who died when a fire broke out in his house.

Daniel Beckwitt, who was indicted in May on second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter charges, was arrested after Askia Khafra died during a fire at the home in the 5200 block of Danbury Rd. on Sept. 10. Officials said Khafra died from smoke inhalation and burns from the fire while he was working in the basement.

Officials found an unexplained network of tunnels under the yard and said the home was "dangerous and hazardous to human life and the public welfare," according to reports.

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WTOP reported Beckwitt's lawyer renewed his demands that the state provide more details in its allegation that Beckwitt acted with disregard for human life. Prosecutors allege Beckwitt knew the home was hazardous because of hoarding conditions and electrical cords in the tunnels.

Beckwitt is scheduled to reappear in court on Oct. 12.

SEE ALSO:

• Bethesda Man Charged With Murder After House Fire
• Tunnel Network At Bethesda House Prompts Lawsuit After Fatal Fire
• Silver Spring Man Dies In North Bethesda House Fire
• Police Investigating Fatal North Bethesda House Fire

Photo via MCPD