Squatter Died in Burning House : Builder Faces Murder Charges in Fire

Murder charges that could carry the death penalty have been filed against a Glendale contractor accused of setting afire a boarded-up house he owned in Glassell Park, killing a squatter trapped inside and seriously injuring another, the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office reported.

Frank Paul Piumetti, 53, was also charged Thursday with attempted murder, arson and burglary stemming from the Aug. 21 fire in the 3100 block of Eagle Rock Boulevard, said Deputy Dist. Atty. Robert E. Savitt.

Jesus Ortega Sandoval, 18, died after being overcome by smoke, and Miguel Martinez, 22, remains hospitalized from injuries suffered in the blaze, Savitt said. Both were illegal aliens who slept in the house without permission, Savitt said.

If convicted of the murder and arson counts, Piumetti could face the death penalty or be sentenced to a life term without the possibility of parole, Savitt said.

Held Without Bail

Piumetti was arrested Tuesday and was being held without bail, Savitt said.

Piumetti and his brother bought the property in January and planned to build a multi-unit dwelling there, Savitt said. While awaiting a zoning change needed to construct the building, Piumetti allegedly tried repeatedly to evict the transients who lived there, at one point boarding up the windows and doors, Savitt said. But the men returned, he said.

Savitt said Martinez told investigators that on the night of the fire, he saw Piumetti approach the house carrying a can, heard him enter and light a match after pouring what appeared to be gasoline inside the house, Savitt said. Piumetti tossed the lighted match, setting the house afire and laughed, Martinez told authorities.

Martinez said he and Sandoval ran into a bedroom to escape the flames, but could not get out of the house because the windows were boarded up.