‘One of the most disturbing cases our office has prosecuted’: California man gets life for setting dad, dog on fire

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. (TCN) -- A 44-year-old man will spend the rest of his life behind bars following a first-degree murder conviction in April.

On June 11, 2022, police responded to a home after receiving a report of a domestic dispute, according to Santa Maria Times. 

Arriving officers saw through the window of the home that Joseph Ashley Garcia was arguing with his father, 68-year-old Joseph Michael Garcia, who was seated with a dog on his lap. The older man reportedly cried for help and a responding officer ordered Joseph Ashley Garcia to cooperate, which he did not. 

Officers forced entry into the home and saw that Joseph Michael Garcia was on fire. The fire was immediately put out, and Joseph Ashley Garcia reportedly gave himself up to police right away.

Joseph Michael Garcia suffered serious burns over more than a third of his body. When he was interviewed by detectives, he said the argument started when his son asked him for his dog, and when he refused, he threatened to stab him with a knife. The victim died from septic shock 10 days following the attack while undergoing a skin graft operation.

In the home, investigators found a machete and a bottle of acetone, which they believe was used as an accelerant in the fire, according to Santa Maria Times. 

Investigators learned that Joseph Ashley Garcia used marijuana and methamphetamine before the incident and that he believed his father had been having an affair with his wife.

In July 2022, Garcia was charged with charged with murder, cruelty to animals, and four sentencing enhancements, including torture, per Santa Maria Times. He pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. He underwent two evaluations, which provided conflicting reports.

According to KTLA, a jury found Garcia guilty of first-degree murder with the special circumstance of torture on April 13 and found him legally sane at the time of the attack on April 21. On June 10, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

KTLA reports that Santa Barbara County District Attorney John Savrnoch said, “This verdict reflects exactly what justice looks like for one of the most disturbing cases our office has prosecuted.”

Noozhawk reports that family members gave impact statements. The victim’s sister, Rosemary Alvarez, said, “What he did to my brother is very devastating to my family. We finally have closure and peace.”

Another sister alleged that Joseph Ashley Garcia spent time in prison in the past for lewd and lascivious acts with a minor, per Noozhawk.

According to records obtained by Santa Maria Times, the dog who was burned in the incident, a terrier named Charlie, recovered and was placed for adoption. 

MORE: