Woman convicted of attempted murder, arson in 2024 Taft apartment fire

Nohely Elizabeth Ruiz faces up to 13 years in prison for setting blaze that destroyed building

Apr. 16, 2026 at 12:20am

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An extreme close-up of a charred and twisted metal object, such as a door handle or window frame, captured in stark, dramatic lighting to convey the gritty aftermath of a violent crime.The aftermath of a devastating apartment fire exposes the human cost of domestic violence and the need for stronger intervention.Bakersfield Today

A woman was convicted on Wednesday of attempted murder and arson for a 2024 incident in which she set fire to a two-story apartment complex in Taft, California, causing two men to jump from the building to escape. Nohely Elizabeth Ruiz was found guilty of two counts of attempted murder and one count of arson of a building.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious threat that domestic violence can pose to public safety, as Ruiz's actions not only endangered her ex-boyfriend but also put other residents of the apartment complex at risk. The conviction underscores the need for strong prosecution of such reckless and violent behavior.

The details

On September 17, 2024, Kern County firefighters and deputies responded to a report of a two-story apartment complex on fire in Taft. Ruiz's ex-boyfriend and his uncle were sleeping in their shared apartment when the uncle woke up to Ruiz pounding on the front door and then putting combustible items on the stairwell, the only exit from the second floor. Both men jumped from a second-floor window to escape the flames, which destroyed the entire building.

  • On September 17, 2024, Kern County firefighters and deputies responded to the fire.
  • On August 28, 2024, Ruiz was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon after an argument with her ex-boyfriend.
  • On April 15, 2026, Ruiz was found guilty of the charges related to the 2024 apartment fire.

The players

Nohely Elizabeth Ruiz

A woman convicted of attempted murder and arson for setting fire to a Taft apartment complex in 2024, causing two men to jump from the building to escape.

Ruiz's ex-boyfriend

A man who was sleeping in the apartment when Ruiz set the fire, forcing him to jump from the second floor to escape.

Ruiz's ex-boyfriend's uncle

A man who was also sleeping in the apartment when Ruiz set the fire, and who woke up his nephew to evacuate.

Kern County District Attorney's Office

The prosecutor's office that convicted Ruiz of the charges related to the 2024 apartment fire.

Kern County Firefighters and Sheriff's Office

The first responders who responded to the report of the apartment complex fire in Taft in 2024.

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What they’re saying

“Ruiz inflicted deliberate violence upon her former partner, placing not only him but anyone in the vicinity at significant risk. This behavior is unacceptable, extremely reckless, and a clear threat to public safety.”

— Joseph Kinzel, Assistant District Attorney

What’s next

Ruiz is scheduled to be sentenced on May 12, 2026, and faces up to 13 years in prison.

The takeaway

This case highlights the serious threat that domestic violence can pose to public safety, as Ruiz's actions not only endangered her ex-boyfriend but also put other residents of the apartment complex at risk. The conviction underscores the need for strong prosecution of such reckless and violent behavior.