A Southeast Side mobile home park went from quiet to chaotic on Tuesday when an RV erupted in flames and burned to a shell, and deputies say the man behind it was the victim's own neighbor.
Authorities report that 61-year-old Juan Francisco Deluna Jr. was arrested after the RV was destroyed in a blaze at the park. The owner of the RV was out of town when the fire broke out, and no injuries were reported. Investigators say the fire appears to have been intentionally set and the vehicle was a total loss. Deluna has been booked on a felony arson charge.
According to an arrest affidavit and sheriff's investigators, surveillance video shows Deluna walking toward the RV shortly before the flames appear. Investigators also say they later found signs that an accelerant may have been used. As reported by News4SanAntonio, property management told deputies that Deluna had previously made comments about setting fires and mentioned having "incendiary devices" in a text message sent weeks before the blaze.
After being questioned by investigators, Deluna allegedly admitted he started the fire and told authorities he was targeting the person who lived in the RV, according to the arrest documents.
Evidence and alleged motive
Investigators told deputies they found indicators consistent with the use of an accelerant and reviewed surveillance footage that placed Deluna at the RV just before the fire ignited. In the arrest affidavit, Deluna reportedly said he believed a man he knew as "Mike" was having sex with his girlfriend, according to News4SanAntonio.
The affidavit also notes that Deluna told investigators he felt authorities had not helped him, despite what he described as repeated complaints, a frustration that he allegedly linked to his actions on the day of the fire.
Charges and legal implications
Deluna has been arrested on a charge of arson with intent to damage a habitation, an offense that can be prosecuted as a first-degree felony under Texas law. Texas Penal Code Section 28.02 outlines arson crimes and the circumstances that can elevate a charge to that level, as detailed by the Texas statutes.
A first-degree felony conviction in Texas carries a potential prison sentence of 5 to 99 years or life, along with a possible fine of up to $10,000, according to Section 12.32.
What’s next
The Bexar County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the case, which will move through the county court system. The initial report did not list Deluna's bail amount or a court date, and authorities are asking anyone with additional information to contact the sheriff's office.
Neighbors told investigators the blaze shook the small mobile home community and has left residents uneasy while officials work to gather more evidence about exactly how and why the fire was set.
