Surveillance Footage Captures California Homeless Woman Being Set on Fire in Brutal Assault
California police apprehended a suspect accused of setting a homeless woman on fire, then reportedly kicking the severely burned victim and fleeing the scene by car.
A disturbing incident took place in South Sacramento on April 26, where a homeless woman was allegedly set on fire by a driver who then fled the scene. Surveillance footage captured the horrifying attack, which has left the community shaken and authorities seeking answers.
According to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect, identified as 34-year-old Jacqueline Popaibarra, was seen pulling her car over near a homeless encampment on a quiet street. The victim, a 49-year-old woman, had just settled down for the night when the confrontation began.
Officials reported that Popaibarra exited her vehicle and engaged in a heated argument with the homeless woman. Without warning, Popaibarra allegedly threw a liquid accelerant onto the victim and set her ablaze. Onlookers rushed to the woman’s aid, quickly working to extinguish the flames.
Despite the victim suffering severe burns on approximately one-third of her body—including her face, arms, torso, and back—Popaibarra reportedly kicked the injured woman before calmly returning to her car and leaving the area.
Bystanders’ prompt actions prevented further harm, but the victim’s injuries were extensive. She was transported to a local hospital, where she was intubated and unable to provide a statement to law enforcement for several days due to the severity of her burns.
After regaining the ability to communicate, the victim positively identified Popaibarra as her attacker. Authorities revealed that Popaibarra had already been detained on an unrelated robbery charge prior to her identification in connection with this case.
Popaibarra is currently being held on $400,000 bail related to the alleged attack. So far, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office has not released an official statement regarding the ongoing investigation.
The case has sparked outrage in the community, shedding light on the dangers faced by homeless individuals and raising concerns about the protection and safety of vulnerable populations in Sacramento.
As the victim continues her recovery, law enforcement officials are urging anyone with additional information about the attack to come forward to assist in their investigation.
