DA Declines to Charge Four Suspects in Old Town Newhall Fire for Now, Case Sent Back for Further Investigation
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office confirmed on November 2 that it has decided not to file charges for now against the four suspects arrested in the August 24 Old Town Newhall fire, and that the case has been sent back to law enforcement for further investigation. The fire occurred in Santa Clarita, Los Angeles County, California. The DA's office said the decision does not mean the four are cleared, and the case can be resubmitted once investigators complete additional work.
The fire broke out near Main Street and Market Street in Old Town Newhall, destroying or damaging at least seven buildings, including the Newhall Refinery, the MAIN Theatre and a hair salon, with property losses estimated at about $13 million. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department had arrested four people in its arson investigation: John Wright, Cristian Leija, Jesus Figueroa and Antoinette Ruiz.
The DA's office did not say when it expects to re-evaluate the case, stating only that it will await the results of the follow-up investigation. Local merchants and residents continue to follow the cleanup and rebuilding, and the recovery of the downtown commercial district will depend on the investigation and insurance claims that follow.
Source: FOX 11 Los Angeles
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：圣克拉丽塔市旧城纽霍尔街景（资料图）。（公共领域，经 Wikimedia Commons） / Photo: Street view of Old Town Newhall, Santa Clarita (file photo). (Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)
