Threaded Mode | Linear Mode

JimCaedus · (12-25-2016)

VVDAILY PRESS

CHRISTMAS EVE FIRE LEAVES SIX DEAD

By Staff Writer

PHELAN, CA - An early Saturday morning structure fire resulted in the deaths of six local residents including well known outspoken Jehovah's Witness advocate Rudy Enriquez.

Around 2:10 a.m. San Bernardino County Fire Department firefighters and San Bernardino County Sheriff's Phelan Station deputies received reports from dispatch of an unknown fire, which was later identified as a double structure fire at the 2900 block of McMillan Rd near Duncan Rd in Phelan.

Upon arrival, firefighters found the single family home engulfed in flames and what is believed to be a converted garage as well burning towards the back of the property. Neighboring witnesses on scene reported to having seen two people filming the incident, according to County Fire Capt. Steve Castagnola.

San Bernardino County Sheriff's Deputies detained the two suspects nearby and identified the men as one James O'Connor, a tenant on the property, and one John Luster of Laughlin, Nevada. The men claimed to be filming for a billion dollar sports entertainment company but denied any involvement in the incident.

The shot footage was reported to contain suspicious content and the suspects were arrested for several hours while County firefighters extinguished the blaze and an investigation was able to commence. The men were released once it was determined the cause of the fire was, in fact, accidental and the result of faulty wiring and two overloaded breaker boxes.

The six victims have been identified as Rudy Enriquez, 69, Melissa Enriquez, 25, Jesse Enriquez, 40, Matthew Leos, 25, Gail Arebaugh, 60, and Peter Morgan, 57.

Threaded Mode \| Linear Mode Christmas Eve Fire Leaves Family of 6 Dead
Author	Message