Woman Charged with Arson for Allegedly Setting Homeless Person on Fire in South Sacramento Dispute; Video Released
SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office revealed on Wednesday that a woman has been arrested on suspicion of setting a homeless person on fire back in late April.
Jacqueline Popaibarra, 34, was already behind bars for robbery when authorities linked her to the fire incident. She now faces additional charges related to this shocking event and is being held on a hefty bail of $400,000.
On the night of April 26, witnesses came to the aid of a 49-year-old woman who suffered severe burns covering a third of her body. This distressing incident took place at the intersection of 17th Avenue and Stockton Boulevard in south Sacramento.
Popaibarra was initially intubated in a hospital and unable to communicate, but investigators identified her as a suspect through witness statements and surveillance footage. The video captured Popaibarra driving to the area where the victim had set up for the night and engaging in a heated argument.
Authorities allege that Popaibarra threw an unknown liquid on the victim before igniting a fire and fleeing the scene in her vehicle.
On Tuesday, the victim was finally able to speak with investigators and confirmed Popaibarra's identity as the suspect.
Interestingly, the sheriff's office noted that Popaibarra is not homeless, and it remains unclear how she and the victim were connected.
Popaibarra is set to appear in court on Thursday, as the community grapples with the aftermath of this alarming incident.
HOMELESS WOMAN SET ON FIRE, SUSPECT ARRESTED
— Sacramento Sheriff (@sacsheriff) May 15, 2025
At approximately 9:30 PM on Saturday, April 26, 2025, Central Division Patrol Deputies responded to the area of 17th Avenue and Stockton Boulevard in South Sacramento, to assist Fire Department personnel for a report of a woman who… pic.twitter.com/Oly4eitHjM
