Prosecutors Return Newhall Fire Case for More Investigation

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office declined on November 2 to file charges against four people arrested in connection with a fire that swept through Old Town Newhall on August 24. Prosecutors returned the case to law enforcement for additional investigation, and the four were released without charges while that work continues.

Those arrested were 47-year-old John Wright, 43-year-old Cristian Leija, 54-year-old Jesus Figueroa, and 35-year-old Antoinette Ruiz. They were arrested on suspicion of arson and conspiracy. Wright owns Gary’s Auto Collision Center, among the businesses affected by the blaze.

The fire started near Market and Main streets in Santa Clarita and affected at least seven buildings, causing an estimated $13 million in property damage. Among the businesses destroyed were the Newhall Refinery, the theater known as the MAIN and Care Tucker Style House. The fire department had said the blaze originated at an auto-body shop before reaching a neighboring building that housed several businesses.

A district attorney’s spokesperson said the case was not ready for a final decision and had been sent back so investigators could collect evidence and address outstanding questions. The office did not give a timetable for investigators to return the case to prosecutors.