A fire in California’s Riverside County that was initially reported as “non-injury” has now turned out to be murder. An alleged arsonist has been arrested, and also charged with the murder of an RVer caught in the flames. The RV arson-murder case took only a day to unravel.
Initially thought to be a “non-injury” fire turned into RV arson-murder
On Monday, February 3, firefighters were called to the Jojoba Hills RV Resort in Aguanga. Multiple fires there were slow-moving, and burned their way through brush and a storage yard. Fire officials also reported that an RV was destroyed. The fire was out before the end of the day.
However, when crews were following up on Tuesday, they found the remains of a man inside the burned RV. The county homicide unit was called in. Later in the day, a “suspicious person” was reported near the intersection of California State Route 79 and Highway 371 in Aguanga. Sheriff’s deputies found Garett Preston Young, 48, at the scene.
While officials have not specified just what led them to connect Young to the arson-turned-murder, they have, according to a media release, “identified [him] as the subject possibly involved in the fatal fires.” He’s been booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center for homicide and additional arson-related charges.
Police have not identified the person killed in the RV fire, pending next-of-kin notifications. Anyone with more information pertinent to the case should contact RSO’s Central Homicide Unit at (951) 955-1777.
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Thanks to the alert citizens and rapid response by the sheriff’s dept.. See something – Say something! Paid off quickly in this case. Sad a gentlemen lost his life however.
Thank you for the update, Russ and Tina! So tragic. 🙁 I guess they will never know, depending on the remains, whethet the murdered man was tied and gagged, rendered unconscious, or otherwise unable to call for help. Such a reprehensible act! Safe travels!
The arsonist was the son of the victim at Jojoba Hill RV Park. Different last name. He was a frequent guest there and was seen by neighbors leaving with victims dog just before fire. He was spotted by the park manager walking on a nearby Highway later that day and police picked him up. Sad. The victim was a well respected occupant of the park for years. Knew her well.