Man Accused of Attempted Murder, Arson in Fire at Sister's La Mesa Home [UPDATED]

LA MESA, CA: A man accused of setting fire to his sister’s La Mesa home is charged with attempted murder and arson.

An investigation into a fire that occurred May 9 in the 4500 block of Nebo Drive led police to view video footage that allegedly showed someone walking to and from the scene of the fire, according to La Mesa police Lt. Chad Bell.

That person was later identified as Theodis Barley, 50, who previously lived in the home but had been asked by his sister to move out, the lieutenant said.

“He was upset over being kicked out and so he decided to light the side of the house on fire,” Bell said.

Barley was arrested on suspicion of arson just a few days later, on May 12, and remained jailed as of Tuesday on that charge as well as attempted murder, according to Bell.

“We did not arrest him for attempted homicide, however the DA has upped the charges to attempted homicide,” Bell said.

Police believe Barley’s sister was inside the residence when he allegedly used lighter fluid to light some couches being stored just outside of the home on fire. Flames quickly spread from the furniture to an exterior wall on the north side of the residence, Bell said.

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“The whole north side of the house was charred,” Bell said. “There was some fire that made it into the attic.”

Although the house remains standing, it is heavily damaged from the smoke, according to Bell.

Tanya Sierra, spokeswoman for the San Diego County District Attorney's Office, confirmed Barley has been charged with one count of attempted murder with a special allegation of arson.

"He was arraigned on May 16 and pleaded not guilty," Sierra told Patch. "His next court dates are July 15 for a status conference and July 26 for the preliminary hearing."

(Image via Shutterstock)

This story was updated on June 1, 2016; Originally published on May 31, 2016.