Arson case returns to investigators
Four suspects in the Newhall Old Town fire were released without charges Monday as the district attorney's office requested additional evidence.
By Scott Marshall ·
Four individuals arrested over the weekend in connection with a major fire in Newhall have been released without charges. The Los Angeles County district attorney's office returned the case to the Sheriff's Department on Monday for further investigation. A spokesperson for the district attorney's office stated the case was not ready for a final decision. The office asked law enforcement to gather more evidence and answer lingering questions. This move follows a weekend announcement that four people had been arrested on suspicion of arson and conspiracy.
The fire occurred in the early morning hours of August 24. It involved seven structures in the Old Town district of Santa Clarita. Officials estimate the damage at approximately 13 million dollars. The blaze destroyed a boutique, a gastropub, and a theater. The Los Angeles County Fire Department previously determined the fire began inside an auto-body shop. It then spread to an adjacent building that housed several other businesses.
The Sheriff's Department issued a statement on Tuesday afternoon regarding the case status. The department said it works closely with the district attorney's office throughout investigative and judicial processes. It noted respect for the district attorney's role in reviewing cases for filing. The department stated it remains committed to a thorough investigation. It aims to work toward accountability and justice for the victims and businesses impacted by the fire.
The suspects were released pending the completion of this additional review. No specific timeline was provided for when the investigators will return the file to the district attorney's office. The four individuals were initially detained based on suspicions of arson and conspiracy related to the August incident.
