The Chula Vista man accused of setting his ex-girlfriend on fire inside a neighborhood 7-Eleven is back before a judge, as a key preliminary hearing unfolds in a case that has rattled the South Bay. The victim, Amanda Buchanan, later died after being taken off life support following catastrophic burns, and this week's hearing will decide whether the case heads to a full trial.
Preliminary Hearing Puts Grisly Allegations On Record
On Wednesday, five witnesses took the stand to walk the court through the Aug. 24, 2024 attack inside the 7-Eleven at Broadway and L Street. Prosecutors say Juan Carlos Villanueva set Buchanan on fire and have charged him with several felonies, including first-degree attempted murder, arson and torture, according to NBC 7 San Diego.
Family Faced Agonizing End-Of-Life Decision
Buchanan suffered critical burns and was ultimately taken off life support, her family told ABC 10News. Relatives described the choice to withdraw care as heartbreaking and said a GoFundMe campaign was created to help cover her mounting medical bills and funeral costs.
License-Plate Data Leads Detectives To Suspect
Investigators testified that automated license-plate readers picked up a vehicle linked to the suspect, which was later traced to a gas station in Redlands about six hours after the 7-Eleven fire. That digital breadcrumb trail led to Villanueva's arrest, according to Times of San Diego. After Buchanan died, prosecutors filed a murder charge and added special-circumstance allegations, the outlet reported.
Friend Describes Harrowing Hospital Visit
In emotional testimony, a friend of Buchanan told the court that the burns were so extensive the victim was “wrapped like a mummy,” underscoring the severity of her injuries, NBC 7 San Diego reported. Friends and relatives filled the gallery, quietly watching as details of the attack were laid out in open court.
Suspect Faces Life Or Death If Case Proceeds
Villanueva has entered a not guilty plea and remains in custody while a judge weighs whether there is enough probable cause to move forward. If he is convicted of murder with the special-circumstance allegations, he could face life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty, Times of San Diego reported. The preliminary hearing will determine if prosecutors have presented sufficient evidence to send the case to trial.
Community Still Reeling From 7-Eleven Tragedy
Chula Vista 7-Eleven Manager Succumbs recapped Buchanan's death last year and pointed readers to the family's fundraiser. Advocates say the case has renewed calls for stronger support for people experiencing intimate-partner violence and for better protections for late-shift workers who often find themselves isolated in convenience stores overnight.
