DA declines charges in Old Town Newhall fire case
Los Angeles prosecutors will not charge suspects in the fire that destroyed multiple businesses in Old Town Newhall.
By Nadia Singh ·
Prosecutors have decided not to charge the four people arrested in connection with the fire that destroyed multiple businesses in Old Town Newhall earlier this year. The case is being sent back to law enforcement for further investigation, but the DA's office has not specified when investigators will return to it. The fire broke out near the intersections of Market and Main streets in Santa Clarita on August 24, 2026, destroying seven buildings and causing $13 million in damage. John Wright, Cristian Leija, Jesus Figueroa, and Antoinette Ruiz are the suspects named in the investigation.
The fire left multiple businesses damaged, including the Newhall Refinery, MAIN theater, and Care Tucker Style House. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported that seven buildings were destroyed or reached in the fire. The DA’s office confirmed on Monday that charges will not be filed against the four suspects, but the case is being referred back to law enforcement for further examination.
The fire occurred in the early part of the month, and the DA’s office has not yet given a timeline for when investigators will resume work on the case. The businesses affected by the fire include Gary’s Auto Collision Center, which is owned by one of the suspects, John Wright. The investigation continues, but no charges are being filed at this time.
The fire is still under investigation, and the case has been referred back to law enforcement for further examination. The DA’s office has not yet given a timeline for when investigators will resume work on the case. The businesses affected by the fire include Gary’s Auto Collision Center, which is owned by one of the suspects, John Wright. The investigation continues, but no charges are being filed at this time.
