Man Convicted of Attempted Murder for Setting Sleeping Elderly Woman on Fire

The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office today announced that a jury has convicted Louie Martinez of attempted murder and arson following a trial led by Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Kistler. The verdicts stem from a shocking February 2025 incident in downtown Lodi, where Martinez intentionally set fire to the bedding of an elderly victim who was sleeping outdoors near an intersection.

The victim, an elder experiencing homelessness, was asleep on the ground when Martinez approached and deliberately ignited her bedding with a flammable object. She awoke in terror as flames rapidly spread to her hand and surrounded her, engulfing her personal belongings. Quick response by firefighters extinguished the blaze, preventing a fatal outcome. The victim sustained injuries but has since recovered and courageously testified at trial.

Lodi Police Department investigators identified Martinez as the perpetrator through review of nearby surveillance footage, which clearly captured him holding a flammable item, igniting the fire, and even kicking it toward the victim to accelerate its spread. Officers located Martinez nearby shortly after, discovering two lighters and butane in his possession. His shoes showed partial melting and burn marks, which he falsely attributed to cigarette smoking. Martinez, who was in a wheelchair at the time, admitted knowing someone was present at the location where he started the fire.

“This was a callous and depraved act of violence against one of our most vulnerable community members,” said District Attorney Ron Freitas. “Setting an elderly person on fire while they slept is an attack on human decency itself. Thanks to the diligent work of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners, justice has been served, and this dangerous individual will now face severe consequences for his actions.”

The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office extends sincere thanks to Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Kistler for her exceptional dedication and skillful prosecution throughout this challenging trial. Special appreciation is also due to the Lodi Police Department for their thorough investigation and swift response, as well as to the dedicated firefighters who responded promptly to the scene and helped ensure the victim’s safety.