RIVERSIDE, Calif., Nov. 2 (UPI) -- A Southern California auto mechanic suspected of setting a wildfire that killed five firefighters was charged Thursday with homicide and arson.
Raymond Lee Oyler, 36, pleaded not guilty during a brief court appearance and was held without bail, the Los Angeles Times reported. Prosecutors have said they may seek the death sentence.
Riverside County District Attorney Rod Pacheco said he would discuss the case with the families of the dead firefighters before making a decision.
Oyler had been charged with setting two smaller fires in June when he was arrested Tuesday.
The Esperanza fire, which was reported a week ago in the early morning hours, spread quickly, whipped by Santa Ana winds. Five firefighters were overrun by the flames that afternoon -- three were killed immediately, one died soon after he was taken to a hospital and the fifth died Tuesday.
The fire, northwest of Palm Springs, scorched 60 square miles, destroyed 34 houses and forced hundreds of people to flee their homes. It was brought under control after five days.
