Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Wildfire Suspect Charged in Heart Attack 'Murders'

Unusual case links arson to deaths

By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 23, 2009 4:13 AM CDT
Email

(Newser) – California officials have taken the unusual step of charging a wildfire arson suspect with murder in the death of 5 people who suffered heart attacks escaping the flames. Prosecutors intend to prove the stress of the fire caused the deaths in the massive 2003 San Bernardino blaze. The groundbreaking case will be complicated by the fact that the victims had a history of heart disease, reports AP. The suspect is already in prison on a burglary conviction.

Flames roar up a hill in San Bernardino, Calif., earlier this month. A man suspected of setting a fire in the same area in 2003 has been charged with murder in connection with 5 heart attack deaths.
Flames roar up a hill in San Bernardino, Calif., earlier this month. A man suspected of setting a fire in the same area in 2003 has been charged with murder in connection with 5 heart attack deaths.   (AP Photo/Mike Meadows)
Flames roar up a hill in San Bernardino, Calif., earlier this month. A man suspected of setting a fire in the same area in 2003 has been charged with murder in connection with 5 heart attack deaths.
Flames roar up a hill in San Bernardino, Calif., earlier this month. A man suspected of setting a fire in the same area in 2003 has been charged with murder in connection with 5 heart attack deaths.   (AP Photo/Mike Meadows)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
BlueAyez
Oct 24, 2009 6:08 AM CDT
Newser doesn't say and they don't give a link but I'd like to know why the 6 year delay in charging the arsonist? Did they just find him/her, did they just figure out who did it? In other words was it circumstance or incompetence which caused the delay in charges?
NxBigmouthery
Oct 23, 2009 10:24 AM CDT
Fair enough. Arsonists get off way too easy.
US • Health

 
California • crime • murder • heart attack • arson • California fires • California wildfires • San Bernardino

More Newser Stories

Homeless Killer Suspect Accused of 2 More Murders

Afghan Man Strangles Wife for Having Girl

Death Row Inmate Boasts of 'Leisure' Life

Can Birdsong Cut Crime?

2 Adults, 2 Kids Dead in California Murder-Suicide
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne