Suspect Arrested for Setting Fire to Mother and Child

July 10, 2001

"Suspect Arrested for Setting Fire to Mother and Child"
 

Los Angeles – On Monday, July 9, 2001, at approximately midnight, Detectives from the Abuse Child Unit were summoned to the 16000 block of San Fernando Mission Road, Devonshire Area, to investigate the burning of a four-year-old boy. The child was taken to Children’s Hospital and subsequently transported, via helicopter, to Torrance Memorial Hospital. The child sustained third degree burns to 73% of his body. He remains in critical condition.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the child’s father, 29-year-old Dwayne West, arrived at the victim’s residence on the pretext of discussing child support payments. He viciously attacked the boy’s mother, as well as the child. During the assault, West poured a flammable liquid on her and set the mother on fire. The fire soon spread to the bed where the child was lying. West fled the scene.
A neighbor from the same building saw smoke coming from the apartment and rescued the child from the burning bed.
West was subsequently arrested and booked for Attempted Murder while he attempted to seek medical treatment at a local hospital.
This press release was prepared by Officer Eduardo Funes, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.