Suspect behind deadly California wildfire was trying to cover up murder, officials say
Updated: Apr 29, 2021
Suspect behind deadly California wildfire was trying to cover up murder, officials say | WGN-TV
SOLANO COUNTY, Calif. (
KTXL) — Officials in California announced Wednesday afternoon that last year’s deadly Markley Fire was allegedly started as an attempt to cover up a suspected murder.
The Markley Fire was a smaller fire that merged with others into the LNU Lightning Complex that burned parts of California’s Lake, Napa, Sonoma, Solano and Yolo Counties.
The Solano County sheriff and district attorney reported the two deaths linked to the August 2020 Markley Fire are being investigated as homicides. Douglas Mai, 82, and Leon “James” Bone, 64, were found in their homes in unincorporated Solano County.
Solano County officials named Victor Serriteno as the suspect in the investigation.
Serriteno was already in custody on suspicion of
killing Priscilla Castro and burning her body. The 32-year-old woman from Vallejo was reported missing after authorities in Vacaville say she went on a date with Serriteno just two days before the Markley Fire was sparked.
Her burned body was found Sept. 2 near Lake Berryessa.
The sheriff’s office said it’s now believed Serriteno deliberately started the Markley Fire “in an attempt to conceal his crime.”
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