Teenager Accused of Setting Boys Ablaze to Face Charges

A 14-year-old teenager accused of spraying two boys with rubbing alcohol and setting them on fire is expected to be arraigned in Long Beach Juvenile Court today on charges of attempted murder, torture and aggravated mayhem.

The victims, both 11-year-olds, were playing near their homes in the 1000 block of Orizaba Avenue on Saturday when they were chased down and doused with a squirt bottle filled with rubbing alcohol, Long Beach Fire Department Battalion Chief Jack Bender said.

One of the boys suffered third-degree burns over 20% of his body and was taken to Torrance Memorial Burn Center where he was listed Wednesday in serious but stable condition. A hospital spokesman said he may have surgery this weekend.

Bender said the flames went out on the other boy’s clothes before they could cause injury.

On the night of the attack, the Fire Department’s arson squad arrested the teenager, a youth Bender described as a suspected gang member and identified by residents as the neighborhood bully.

“After he sprayed the first boy, he poured the rubbing alcohol over the second boy, centering it in the groin area up to his armpits. This kind of burn is very serious, especially when the genitals are involved.

“The worse scars are psychological. They can’t be repaired,” Bender added. “I’ve never heard of a case like this. It was savage.”

Deputy Dist. Atty. Julie Walker will seek to have the teenager tried as an adult. He is being held without bail at the Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Downey.