The two men suspected of starting a fire that forced the evacuation of more than 100 homes in the Eagle Rock and Glendale areas of Los Angeles late last month were apparently targeting homeless people, according to new reports.
Daniel Michael Nogueira (above, left) and Bryan Antonio Araujocabrera (right), both 25 years old, were arrested last week on suspicion of attempted murder days after the fire started.
The fire ended up burning more than 45 acres over two days, threatening homes, closing two freeways, and seriously threatening a homeless encampment in the area — which apparently had been the men’s target in the first place.
Thankfully, no one was killed in the fiery blaze, though one Glendale firefighter did reportedly suffer a minor injury. In all, more than 200 firefighters from the Glendale Fire Department and the Los Angeles Fire Department worked together to battle the fire, which was first reported at about 4:00 p.m. local time on August 25.
As for Nogueira and Araujocabrera, both were taken into custody on August 31, although Nogueira was released the next day after he posted bond. He had been held on $1 million bail in the attempted murder charges. Araujocabrera, who appears to still be in jail based on court records, is being held on $1,116,000 bail.
That extra 116 grand is always the hardest.
Prosecutors are now asking for further investigation into the two suspects as far as motive is concerned; they are both currently being investigated on suspicion of attempted murder.
The fire itself was started by “an incendiary device” after someone inside a blue pickup truck “exchanged words with the occupants of a homeless encampment,” according to Los Angeles investigators.
Apparently, authorities have been able to conclude from their investigation that the fire was set specifically with the intention of killing those in the encampment.
Both Nogueira and Araujocabrera are due back in court later this month. Pending the deeper investigation, it’s possible more charges may be filed against them soon.
Obviously, any fire in the dry, dusty area around southern California has the potential to be a tragedy — but considering how many people live in and around the area in question here, it’s a miracle nobody was seriously injured or killed.
Now, if the allegations against these two men are true, let’s hope the justice system does its job, especially in protecting the homeless victims at the center of this whole situation.
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