San Pedro Inferno Started in Angelita Velasquez House; She Finally Speaks

As has been reported, the fire that cleared down a block of ten houses in the Boca Del Rio area was deliberately set. On Monday, Fire Chief Ted Smith confirmed that the blaze was caused by an incendiary that started in the house of Angelita Velasquez.  The well-known food vendor and artisan was not at home at the time of the blaze, but today she and a couple of her tenants reveal what they feel may have triggered the crime.  Velasquez alleges that her ex-common-law husband broke into one of the rooms that she recently rented and lit the fire inside the room.

Angelita Velasquez, Fire Victim

“I was at the park doing barbecue, but as far as I know, people been saying that guy has been hanging around my house, climbing on trees and spying and there are people that will go in and give statement.”

Duane Moody

“Who is he and what is your relationship to him?”

Angelita Velasquez

Angelita Velasquez

“He was common-law and I took him to the court and I get a protective order and I was locked up because he told lies that I was still communicating with him and it is not true. I came back from January and a carpenter come and remodel my house and I was doing rooms and I have all my tenants and they are all chefs and bartenders and they do not cook there and they all pay their rent good and we were one happy family.”

John Reid

John Reid, Tenant

“I was sitting on my bed taking a drink when I heard an explosion so I said, people out here shooting up one another. I never went outside.  After the explosion, I heard someone say, “Take that unu son-of-a [bleep.]” But I still never come out. Dah when the neighbour shout, “Angela, yo house….” dah then I run out from my room cause I deh way ina di last room.  When I run out and look and I saw the room there, the windows open, the door was open and the flames was already through the windows. That’s what I see. So I ran back in and put on my clothes and I get out of the building.”

Tenant

“I was in the lower flat and upon waking up to try and use the bathroom, I thought cold was in my eyes because everything was blurry. But then I realize the whole place was on fire. Dah lone smoke; I noh see fire ina di room. And when I smell the smoke, I said dah time to evacuate from the room. I thought it was the neighbor’s house. I saw the room where the fire was in wide open and the belongings that the landlord own—nothing was in there like if the person who was renting the place took out everything and said I am going to set it on fire.”