A Lompoc maniac who set both his father and the family dog ablaze has been convicted of murder, bringing a dramatic end to a case that has gripped the Central Coast for years.
Joseph Ashley Garcia, 44, was convicted of first-degree murder for killing his father, 68-year-old Joseph Michael Garcia. Jurors rejected his insanity plea and found he was legally sane during the attack, according to KTLA.
The incident happened in June 2022 at their home on North D Street in Lompoc. Police responding to a domestic dispute saw Garcia arguing with his father through a window, while his father sat with the family’s terrier, Charlie, on his lap, per the outlet.
Garcia refused to cooperate with officers. As they forced their way inside, they heard screaming and barking — then found the older man engulfed in flames. The dog was also severely burned.
The victim suffered second- and third-degree burns over 35% of his body. He was first taken to a Santa Barbara hospital, then transferred to Los Angeles for further treatment. Ten days later, he died from septic shock while undergoing skin graft surgery.
Before he died, he told police his son had tried to stab him with a knife before asking for the dog.
Investigators found a bottle half-filled with acetone, which they believe was used to start the fire, along with a lighter and a large machete.
Authorities said the attack was fueled by Garcia’s drug use and his angry claims that his father and his spouse were having an affair.
On April 13, 2026, a jury found him guilty of first-degree murder and determined the killing involved the special circumstance of torture.
On April 21, following a separate phase, jurors concluded he was legally sane at the time.
Garcia now faces a mandatory life sentence without parole. His final sentencing is set for June 6 in Santa Maria Superior Court.
Santa Barbara County District Attorney John Savrnoch called the case one of the most disturbing his office has prosecuted, saying the verdict holds Garcia fully accountable and sends a clear message that extreme acts of cruelty will not be tolerated.