SAN MARINO : Arrests Expected Soon in Deadly Fire, Mayor Says

Authorities have “suspects in mind” in the deadly arson fire that gutted a San Marino home and expect to make arrests within four days, San Marino Mayor Bernie LeSage said Wednesday.

“We can’t identify who those folks are,” LeSage said. “We can’t compromise the investigation.”

Sources said investigators are pursuing the possibility that the arson stemmed from a family conflict. San Marino police and Los Angeles County sheriff’s investigators say they have overwhelming evidence that the blaze was deliberately set but have declined to give details or discuss possible motives.

Five people died in the fire in the 2100 block of Sherwood Road, where three children lived with their parents, Leonardo and Lusje Morita, and a housekeeper. The five bodies were burned beyond recognition and have not been identified, although preliminary indications are that three victims are male and two are female. Leonardo Morita, 46, is in critical condition at County-USC Medical Center. His wife, their three sons and their housekeeper are missing.