Murder Is Charged in Fire Death of Gay Man

A Santa Barbara man has been charged with murder, arson and a hate crime for allegedly setting a sleeping acquaintance on fire at least in part because the man was gay.

About 3 p.m. Sunday, Clinton Scott Risetter, 37, awoke in flames. He made his way to his apartment patio, where he died before firefighters reached the scene.

At 6:40 a.m. Tuesday, Martin Hartmann, 38, walked into the Santa Barbara Police Department and said he had poured gasoline on Risetter and ignited it, police said. He apparently had entered the apartment through an unlocked door.

Hartmann said he had known Risetter for several months but learned just two weeks ago that he was gay. Hartmann also told police Risetter was depressed.

Police said Hartmann claimed he set the fire both because he hates gays and to end Risetter’s misery, Police Lt. Michael Aspland said.

“Hartmann coming in was a major break. We had no idea who did it,” Aspland said.

After hearing Hartmann’s account, police took a bloodhound to Risetter’s apartment.

The dog followed the scent from Hartmann’s clothing into Risetter’s bedroom and to the bed, the lieutenant said.

Hartmann was known to Santa Barbara police as a suspected arsonist, Aspland said.

They believe he may have set 10 fires in the past 10 years. They had questioned but never arrested him.

Hartmann lived with his mother about a half mile from Risetter’s apartment.

Hartmann was to be arraigned Thursday, but the proceeding was delayed at the request of his defense attorney, who asked for more time to decide on a plea.