Police release footage of suspect in house fire that killed 7-year-old Fresno boy

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Fresno Police Department has released video footage of a suspect involved in the fire that killed a seven-year-old Fresno boy.

In July of 2022, Isaac Vallejo died during a house fire at College and McKenzie Avenues in Central Fresno.

Fire investigators determined an accelerant was used on the front and back doors of the home and classified the case as arson.

Three adults and two children managed to escape the flames, but Vallejo was trapped on the second story.

The new video was discovered after Fresno police released a photo of the possible suspect vehicle earlier this week, sparking a flurry of anonymous tips.

"We have determined after further analysis with our federal counterparts that that particular suspect vehicle is a Nissan Altima," said Fresno Police Lt. Paul Cervantes.

The footage shows the suspect carrying an orange bucket as he walks down the street.

Detectives speculate the suspect may have been carrying gasoline in the video.

"Based on the observations that we've made, we believe that gasoline was in that bucket and that that accelerant was placed at the front of the residence. We also believe there was potentially some at the back of the residence," Cervantes said.

Officials believe that this case may have gang ties and are partnering with the FBI to clear more videos and release them to the public in the near future.

"I believe that there are many gang undertones to this particular case. It's very unfortunate, but this particular neighborhood does have some gangs, and we believe that that is a major component," Cervantes explained.

Anyone with more information is asked to contact the Fresno Police Department.

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