- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Lompoc Today
By the People, for the People
Lompoc man charged with father's murder after setting him on fire
Joseph Garcia Jr. claims he was trying to get media attention for his allegations of human trafficking, not kill his father
Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:13am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Joseph Garcia Jr., a 43-year-old Lompoc resident, is on trial for the murder of his 68-year-old father, Joseph Garcia Sr. Garcia Jr. claims he set his father's hair on fire in an attempt to get media or law enforcement to take his allegations of human trafficking, prostitution, and pornography involving his father and his father's husband seriously. However, the fire quickly got out of control, resulting in his father's death 10 days later. Garcia Jr. has been diagnosed with a delusional disorder and is pleading not guilty by reason of insanity.
Why it matters
This case highlights the challenges of the criminal justice system in dealing with individuals suffering from severe mental illness who commit violent acts. It also raises questions about how law enforcement responds to reports of alleged criminal activity, especially when the person making the claims appears to be delusional.
The details
According to the report, on June 11, 2022, Garcia Jr. went to his father's apartment, where they began arguing. Garcia Jr. then set his father's hair on fire, allegedly in an attempt to get media or law enforcement to take his claims of human trafficking seriously. However, the fire quickly spread, burning Garcia Sr. and a small dog named Charlie that was also in the apartment. Officers eventually forced their way into the apartment and extinguished the blaze, but Garcia Sr. succumbed to his injuries 10 days later. Garcia Jr. was initially charged with attempted murder, but the charges were later upgraded to murder after his father's death.
- On June 11, 2022, Garcia Jr. set his father's hair on fire in his father's apartment.
- On June 11, 2022, officers arrested Garcia Jr. and booked him in the Santa Barbara County Jail.
- In September 2022, a judge found Garcia Jr. mentally incompetent to stand trial.
- In March 2023, Garcia Jr.'s trial began, with the first part focused on whether he is guilty of the crimes.
- On Friday, March 17, 2023, Garcia Jr. is slated to take the stand.
The players
Joseph Garcia Jr.
A 43-year-old Lompoc resident who is on trial for the murder of his father, Joseph Garcia Sr. Garcia Jr. claims he set his father's hair on fire in an attempt to get media or law enforcement to take his allegations of human trafficking, prostitution, and pornography involving his father and his father's husband seriously.
Joseph Garcia Sr.
The 68-year-old father of Joseph Garcia Jr. who died 10 days after his son set his hair on fire in his apartment.
Charlie
A small dog that was also in the apartment and was burned when Garcia Jr. set his father's hair on fire.
What they’re saying
“It was never my intention to kill my father. I was trying to attract media attention. I regret it very much.”
— Joseph Garcia Jr., Defendant
“It became clear to me he suffers delusions.”
— Judge
“People with this disorder cannot be swayed from their beliefs.”
— Dr. Susan Ferrant, Psychologist
What’s next
If found 'not guilty by reason of insanity,' Joseph Garcia Jr. will be committed to a secure psychiatric facility for an indeterminate period, until he is no longer a danger to himself or others.
The takeaway
This case highlights the challenges of the criminal justice system in dealing with individuals suffering from severe mental illness who commit violent acts. It also raises questions about how law enforcement responds to reports of alleged criminal activity, especially when the person making the claims appears to be delusional.
