Cyntrial Anderson Receives Life Without Parole for Deadly Revenge Arson

San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas announced that Judge Hoyt sentenced Cyntrial Anderson to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 11 years. The sentencing follows Anderson’s conviction for the 2023 arson-murder that claimed the life of an elderly woman and caused catastrophic injuries to multiple survivors.

In July 2025, a jury found Anderson guilty of first-degree murder and arson causing great bodily injury. The charges stemmed from a January 30, 2023, fire Anderson set at a residence on Bancroft Way. The fire resulted in the death of Leola Johnson and caused severe injuries to Troy Vanairsdale and Jaysean Coleman, who was only two years old at the time.

Judge Hoyt’s sentence of life without the possibility of parole for the murder, plus 11 years for the aggravated arson, ensures Anderson will remain incarcerated for the rest of her life.

"This sentence isn't just about a number of years; it’s about a definitive end to a reign of terror that targeted the most vulnerable among us," said District Attorney Ron Freitas. "When you strike a match with the intent to destroy, you forfeit the right to walk among the people you’ve harmed. Today, the law has finally upheld the gravity of the lives broken in those flames."

This successful prosecution was made possible by the exhaustive investigative work of the Stockton Police Department and Detective Cooper, alongside the critical support of the U.S. Marshals in bringing the defendant to justice.

District Attorney Freitas also commends Deputy District Attorney Alexander Henry for his relentless advocacy and legal expertise in navigating this complex case to ensure the victims and their families finally received the accountability they deserve.