Two Youths Held on Suspicion of Murder in Firebombing

Two youths have been arrested on suspicion of murder in the firebombing of a Southeast Los Angeles apartment in which an infant and her mother were killed, police said Thursday.

Robert Vanke, 18, and a 14-year-old boy, whose identity was not disclosed, were taken into custody Wednesday near the Pueblo del Rio housing project, site of Tuesday’s firebombing, authorities said. Police identified the fire victims as Delores Young, 38, and her 11-month-old daughter, Jaleesa Cray.

Police said the building was firebombed in retaliation for a gang shooting in which a young man was killed Tuesday.

About two dozen off-duty investigators specializing in gang-related crime were called to the bombing scene shortly after 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, said Los Angeles Police Detective Bernie Skiles. Within the next 12 hours, officers questioned 10 possible suspects and witnesses who led investigators to the two teen-agers, Skiles said.

Officers arrested Vanke at the Newton Division station shortly after he was brought in for questioning. The 14-year-old boy was taken into custody at his home on the same block where the firebombing occurred, Skiles said.

Both have been identified as members of the same street gang, police said.

Vanke was convicted in October on a drug possession charge and was scheduled for a court appearance May 21 as part of a substance abuse diversion program, according to court records.

The youths also may face charges of assault with a deadly weapon and arson, officials said. During the fire, two other occupants of the apartment were injured. Allen Owens, 20, suffered second- and third-degree burns on his legs, and Delores Young’s son, Derrick, 11, was cut and burned on his hands.

Both were in satisfactory condition at Martin Luther King Jr./Drew Medical Center.

Vanke was being held Thursday at the Parker Center Jail and the 14-year-old at Eastlake Juvenile Hall, both without bail.

Police said they were seeking additional suspects.