California murderer starts Markley Fire to hide body and kills two others, sentenced

(FOX40.COM) — A man who started the Markley Fire to cover up the murder of a woman but ended up killing two others was sentenced.
• Video Above: California man set deadly 2020 wildfire to cover up woman’s killing

“In early September 2020, many of us remember the sky staying eerily orange for days on end,” the Vacaville Police Department said on social media.

“Many believed it to simply be from the LNU Fires caused by lightning strikes – however, the truth was far more complex.”

In August 2020, Priscilla Castro’s family reported her missing after they couldn’t reach her for a few days, according to VPD. Castro’s car was found abandoned in Vacaville, prompting an investigation.

Around the same time, the Markley Fire erupted near Lake Berryessa and quickly spread south through the Pleasants Valley area. VPD said it destroyed thousands of acres, hundreds of structures, and numerous homes, family pets, and livestock. Additionally, longtime residents, Douglas Mai and Leon Bone, died in their homes during the fire.

The VPD investigation led detectives to Victor Serriteno, and the discovery of Castro’s burned body near the Monticello Dam at Lake Berryessa. Solano Country Sheriff’s Office and CalFire determined the actual cause of the Markley Fire to be arson, related to Castro’s murder.

Serriteno was arrested by Vacaville PD Detectives and booked into the Solano County Jail where he awaited trial.

On Wednesday, he was formally sentenced to 73 years to life in prison for the murder of Castro, the Markley Fire, and subsequent arson murders of Mai and Bone.

“The sentence ensures Serriteno will likely spend the spend the remainder of his life behind bars,” VPD said in part. “This week, our thoughts are with all those affected by the Markley Fire, and especially the families and loved ones of Priscilla Castro, Douglas Mai and Leon Bone.”