Crime
Juan Manuel Sierra-Leyva arrested in connection with Kenneth Fire in Los Angeles
A homeless man accused of attempting to ignite fires near a Los Angeles wildfire has been identified as 36-year-old Juan Manuel Sierra-Leyva, a Mexican national in the U.S. illegally.
The incident unfolded near the Kenneth Fire, which burned over 1,050 acres across Los Angeles and Ventura counties before being fully contained on Sunday.
Sierra-Leyva was tackled and restrained by residents of Woodland Hills after he was allegedly seen using what appeared to be a makeshift flamethrower to set old Christmas trees and debris on fire.
Witnesses detained him with zip ties and rope until the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) arrived. Video footage of the confrontation shows residents surrounding the suspect, with one shouting, “Put it down!”
According to LAPD Assistant Chief Dominic Choi, while detectives are investigating the case as a possible arson, there was insufficient evidence at the time of arrest to charge Sierra-Leyva with arson.
Instead, he was booked for a felony probation violation, though authorities have not disclosed details of his prior conviction.
Sierra-Leyva’s immigration status has raised concerns among law enforcement officials. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed he is in the country illegally and plans to issue a detainer request.
However, due to California’s sanctuary state laws, local authorities are unlikely to honor the request.
California’s sanctuary policies, enacted in 2017, limit local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
These policies were further reinforced by a Los Angeles City Council ordinance passed in November, prohibiting the use of city resources for federal immigration enforcement efforts.
Law enforcement sources expressed frustration, stating that the lack of collaboration between local and federal agencies has allowed individuals with extensive criminal histories to remain in the U.S.
Court records reveal Sierra-Leyva has a lengthy criminal history in Los Angeles County, including a 2023 conviction for assault with a deadly weapon. Over the years, he has spent more than two years in jail for various offenses. It remains unclear where and when he entered the United States.
The Kenneth Fire, which erupted last Thursday, consumed over 1,050 acres across two counties before being fully contained.
The cause of the wildfire is still under investigation, and it is not yet confirmed whether Sierra-Leyva’s actions contributed to its spread.
Residents who apprehended Sierra-Leyva expressed their alarm at the situation. “A few gentlemen surrounded him and got him on his knees. They got some zip ties and rope, and we were able to perform a citizen’s arrest,” said a witness identified as Grinshpun.
Local authorities, including the LAPD’s Major Crimes Squad, are continuing their investigation into the incident.
Anyone with additional information about the Kenneth Fire or the suspect’s activities is urged to contact the LAPD or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Crime
Elgin Public Schools Teacher Holly Hill Dies From Complications Two Years After Drinking Poisoned Margarita
ELGIN, Okla. — The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) has launched a formal investigation into the death of Holly Hill, a 30-year-old teacher, wife, and mother from Elgin, Oklahoma, who died last week from long-term medical complications reportedly caused by ingesting a poisoned margarita at a local restaurant in 2023.
OSBI officials confirmed that the investigation began at the request of Comanche County District Attorney Kyle Cabelka following Hill’s death on Thursday.
According to Hill’s family, her health issues began on Valentine’s Day 2023, when she dined at Hacienda Las Margaritas Bar & Grill in Elgin.
During the evening, Hill ordered a second margarita that, unbeknownst to her, contained a highly caustic industrial cleaning chemical rather than the intended cocktail ingredients.
“Her mouth was on fire, and she knew something wasn’t right,” recalled Kelly Hunter, Hill’s mother. “She immediately jumped up and ran to the bathroom, started throwing up, and rinsing her mouth out with water.”
The ingestion caused severe internal burns to Hill’s esophagus and digestive tract, leading to two years of intense medical treatment.
Hill underwent more than 60 medical procedures, including repeated esophageal dilations and surgeries, as doctors attempted to repair the extensive damage.
Despite her deteriorating health, Hill continued teaching at Elgin Public Schools, where she was described as a dedicated educator loved by her students and colleagues.
In the days leading up to her death, Hill’s family believed she was finally recovering.
On October 17, doctors reportedly told them that her esophagus appeared to be healing. However, her condition suddenly worsened, and she went into cardiac arrest as medical staff prepared to transfer her. “As they were trying to get her ready to transport her, they lost her pulse,” Hunter said.
Hill’s family previously filed a civil lawsuit against Hacienda Las Margaritas, which was settled confidentially earlier this year, according to their attorney.
Following her death, the family is renewing calls for accountability and public awareness.
“The number one thing we really want at this point is for people to be aware of what happened at that restaurant and to quit supporting them,” Hunter said. “We want them to be held accountable for taking my daughter’s life. It might have been a long fight, but ultimately, they are the cause.”
The restaurant has not issued a recent public statement regarding Hill’s death. In a 2023 social media post, management wrote:
“We have never walked away from responsibility and will continue to support them in any way possible while our insurance company is on the case.”
Local officials confirmed that Elgin Police requested assistance from OSBI, and investigators are now reviewing evidence related to the original 2023 incident and Hill’s recent death.
In a statement, Elgin Public Schools expressed deep sorrow over Hill’s passing, describing her as “an Owl through and through” and asking the community to keep her family in their thoughts and prayers.
Hill leaves behind her husband and young child, as well as a community still reeling from a tragedy that began with what should have been an ordinary night out.