A Neenach man accused of starting a brush fire near Highway 138 pled no contest by reason of insanity on Oct. 31, said officials.
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David Artiaga, 28, of Neenach, was found to be ‘not fit for trial’ by reason of insanity after a no contest plea on October 31, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
“(Artiaga) first plead no contest to the charges,” said Ricardo Santiago, a district attorney’s office spokesperson. “Then, there was a second phase to the trial to determine the sanity of the defendant.”
During the second phase of the trial, Artiaga was found to not be of sound mind during the time of the arson in July of 2016.
Artiaga can be seen in photos by the fire in a remote area off Highway 138, which burned over 10 acres.
See Related: Former Valencia Man Captures Suspected Arson On Live Video
Freelance fire photographer Bernie Deyo said he was having dinner with a friend when they noticed smoke in the sky and drove towards it. They reported it to authorities right away.
In minutes, Deyo, of Valencia, and his friend, Jeff Zimmerman, 54, of Neenach, made it to the scene where they saw a man — who appeared to have suffered severe burns — lighting multiple fires in an open field.
The two were later recognized by the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station for documenting the reported crime.
Artiaga is now set for a hearing for placement in a mental health facility on November 27, according to D.A. officials.
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