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
Victims Identified in Deadly Robeson County Mass Shooting
Two Dead, 13 Injured in Mass Shooting at Large Party in Robeson County, North Carolina
ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. — A late-night party in eastern North Carolina turned deadly early Saturday morning when gunfire erupted, leaving two people dead and 13 others injured, according to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Burnis Wilkins confirmed that deputies were called to the scene on Dixon Drive, just outside the town of Maxton, at approximately 3:00 a.m. following reports of a shooting at a large outdoor gathering attended by more than 150 people.
When deputies arrived, chaos had already unfolded — witnesses said over 150 individuals fled the area before law enforcement could secure the scene.
Authorities identified the deceased victims as Jessie Locklear and his son Nehemiah Locklear.
Several other victims sustained critical injuries and were transported to area hospitals for emergency treatment.
Sheriff Wilkins stated that, based on preliminary findings, the shooting appears to have been an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the wider community.
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from multiple agencies, continues to investigate the circumstances that led to the violence.
Detectives are working to determine the motive and identify all parties involved.
Authorities are urging anyone with information—or anyone who attended the gathering and witnessed the incident—to contact the Robeson County Sheriff’s Investigators at 910-671-3100.
“We know there were many people present when this occurred,” Sheriff Wilkins said. “If you saw something or know something, we need you to come forward to help bring justice to the victims and their families.”