Murder charges may now result from the Marek Fire in the San Fernando Valley. Fire officials came across the charred body of a homeless man and his dog trapped in an out building after clearing the fire away from one portion of the Valley. If this fire was purposely set, then the person who set the fire may be charged by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office with murder with special circumstances. In plain language that means that the person who set the fire could be given the death penalty.
Law Enforcement has stated that the man apparently died as a result of smoke inhalation. His body was found in a small building along with his dog. The fire has now jumped the 118 freeway and threatening thousands of homes in the area of Porter Ranch. Over 3000 homes are threatened.
What began as a suspected arson has been elevated to a murder charge if the person who started the fire is caught. A Southern California criminal defense attorney is best suited to counsel and represent any person involved with this fire. An aggressive attorney who has previously worked as a senior trial prosecutor for the District Attorney’s Office, and has prosecuted arson and murder cases previously may be in the best position to assist someone charged with these crimes