A man who rented a room in a San Marcos couple's home pleaded not guilty Monday to murder, arson and animal cruelty charges stemming from the deaths of 73-year-old Michael Austin and 72-year-old Kathryn Austin, who were found dead inside their burning house in March. Luis Alvarado's case had been delayed for months after a judge found him incompetent to stand trial, before a later ruling cleared the way for Monday's arraignment.
Michael and Kathryn Austin were found deceased on the second story of their Lacebark Street home just before midnight on March 28, according to NBC 7 San Diego. Alvarado, who had been renting a room in the Austins' home, was arrested the following day, according to The Coast News. He has remained in custody without bail since his arrest, per the NBC 7 report.
The couple's dog, Journey, was also killed in the fire, according to a GoFundMe page supporting the family cited in the same NBC 7 report. The family separately told the San Diego Union-Tribune that Journey was lost in the blaze as well. As of the Union-Tribune's late-March report, sheriff's officials had not released the cause or manner of the Austins' deaths, and investigators had not released a motive for the fire.
Competency Fight Delayed the Case for Months
Alvarado's arraignment was initially scheduled for April, but his defense attorney raised doubt about his competency to stand trial, and criminal proceedings were suspended while psychiatrists examined him. The Coast News reported that Alvarado was found incompetent over the summer and committed to a state hospital for treatment.
At an Oct. 30 competency hearing, a judge found Alvarado able to face the charges, clearing the way for the case to resume, the outlet's report noted. That ruling set up Monday's not-guilty plea on all counts.
Special Circumstances Could Bring Death Penalty
Alvarado faces two murder counts, plus special circumstance allegations of committing multiple murders and committing the murders in the commission of arson, according to the same NBC 7 account. If convicted of all counts and allegations, he could face life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty, should prosecutors pursue capital punishment.
Court filings and primary records were not available for this report, and the cause and manner of the Austins' deaths have not been publicly disclosed. Reporting on Alvarado's age has also varied: a San Diego County Sheriff's Office caption listed him as 33, while NBC 7's reporting lists him as 34.
