Los Angeles

Woman Faces Possible Criminal Charge in Fire That Killed Teen

"Somebody's going to jail because the fire was set," the victim's grandfather said.

A woman was facing a possible criminal charge Friday in connection with an intentionally set fire at a converted garage in the Hyde Park area in which a 17-year-old boy died, authorities said.

Firefighters sent to the 4800 block of Crenshaw Boulevard shortly before 9 a.m. Tuesday extinguished the flames in about 15 minutes and discovered Elijah Robinson of Los Angeles dead. His 22-year-old brother was treated for smoke inhalation, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Chuck Young, the victim's grandfather, said he had spoken to his grandson just a day earlier.

"I told him I was going to teach him how to drive," he said through tears.

"Law enforcement officials declared the fire to be an intentional act, stating that an adult female suspect was in custody," an LAFD statement said. "The active Los Angeles Police Department investigation, supported by LAFD Arson Investigators, is ongoing."

Police have not released the woman's name or booking information.

Devin Simmons, a resident of the house in front of the converted garage, which the LAPD described as a "sober living facility," said he awoke to the sound of a female tenant throwing things.

The LAPD confirmed that their initial call was for that incident. Other tenants referred to the woman as "unstable."

"I never thought she'd do something this evil," Simmons said.

"Somebody's going to jail because the fire was set," Young said.

Copyright CNS - City News Service
Contact Us