Homeless woman is set ablaze in Van Nuys

[Liberal_in_LA]

This discussion thread was locked as off-topic by Rhiannon12866 (a host of the Latest Breaking News forum).

Source: LA times

Witness Erickson Ipina told reporters that he watched in horror as the attack unfolded in Thursday's wee hours. A man walked out of the Walgreens with what appeared to be rubbing alcohol, he said.

"He just poured it all over the old lady," Ipina said. "Then he threw the match on her and started running."

Ipina said he gave chase. "Hey, stop right there!" he yelled. "Stop right there!" But the man kept running.

"I pulled out my cellphone and called 911, and then he just turned back on me and pulled out a knife," said Ipina, whose account was confirmed by the LAPD.

Police arrested Petillo on suspicion of attempted murder. Since 2008, he has pleaded guilty twice to charges related to vehicle theft. The second time, he was sentenced to two years in prison.



Read more: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-1228-homeless-fire-20121228,0,3972358.story

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I hope the guy tried to put out the fire before he ran after the perp and called 911. Not clear from the story. Maybe someone else was stayed with the victim.

only one of LA's three newscasts lead with this story. The others lead with weather and travel nonsense.

[xchrom]

1. horrifying. nt

[Quantess]

2. Look atthe police quote:

"There was no incident or dispute or clear motivation for this horrific attack. He did not know his victim. It defies explanation," Albanese said. "He is not of sound mind.... The motive is mental illness."

How about just plain mean? The attacker is not necessarily "mentally ill".

[Rhiannon12866]

3. Locking, sorry, this is a duplicate. Please continue discussion and post updates here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1014349095