News & Columns > Michael P. Neufeld > Old Fire Suspect Not Yet Identified (Update)

Old Fire Suspect Not Yet Identified (Update)

Authorities Say Suspect Secure

By Michael P. Neufeld
Saturday, May 17, 2008

Update — Saturday, 4:00 a.m.

San Bernardino, CA – Officials remain tight-lipped about the identity of the person of interest in the Old Fire arson investigation but assure the public the individual won't be setting any more fires.

Authorities contend the investigation is ongoing, as it has since the 2003 Old Fire, and that the person of interest is secure. When asked if the person was in custody countless law enforcement representatives declined to provide additional information.

(Photo by San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.)

However, usually reliable sources indicate the possible filing of arson or homicide charges against the unidentified individual are pending by either state or federal attorneys.

Speculation about the person behind the composite sketch of the suspected Old Fire arsonist has been in the news since 2006 when Raymond Lee Oyler, 37, was arrested for arson and murder in connection with the deadly Esperanza Fire in Riverside County.

Oyler's attorney has repeatedly stated his client had nothing to do with the Old Fire and that he looks nothing like the composite sketch provided by law enforcement agencies.

Arson suspect in the deadly Esperanza Fire. (Photo by Riverside County Sheriff Department.)

Oyler's jury trial is slated to start in Riverside Superior Court at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, June 6 in Department 31. He is currently charged with five counts of murder relating to the deaths of five US Forest Service firefighters during the Esperanza Fire. He also is charged with numerous counts of arson (non-dwelling) and 16 counts of having fire or explosives in his possession.

Original Story

San Bernardino, CA – An arson suspect in the 2003 Old Fire is secure and according to authorities won't be setting any more fires.

"Ever since the Old Fire," Captain Tony Nicassio from the Twin Peaks Sheriff's Station told RIMOFTHEWORLD.net, "there has been an ongoing homicide investigation and our officers turned over their information to homicide detectives as well as state and federal officials."

Old Fire 2003. Skyforest. (Photo by RS Fire Department.)

"The person of interest in this case won't be causing any arson fires," Lieutenant Rick Ells explained. "Let's just say the person is secure at this time."

Lt. Ells reported the case is being reviewed against the unidentified individual and state or federal officials may decide to file actual arson and/or homicide charges against the person of interest.

Capt. Nicassio further explained that it's not uncommon for a local unit to transfer cases to other agencies within the department or to state and federal authorities.

"Once we do that," he continued, "it's no longer our case."

On October 25, 2003, the Old Fire started in Old Waterman Canyon and eventually destroyed 993 homes and caused 6 deaths. The Old Fire consumed 91,281 acres and cost in the neighborhood of $42 million dollars.

During the Old Fire, roughly 80,000 residents were forced to evacuate their homes.