Man accused of killing wife's co-workers; torching home
WESTMINSTER, Calif. – A man is in custody after police investigating a suspicious fire at a home in Orange County found the homeowner and her friend dead about 10 miles away, reports CBS Los Angeles.
According to the station, arson investigators found evidence in the home that led them to believe the homeowner, Yolanda Holtry, 59, and her 49-year-old co-worker may have been the victim of foul play. Their bodies were discovered in a field near a Newport Beach mall.
Authorities subsequently arrested Christopher Ireland in connection with the murders and arson investigation. CBS Los Angeles reports that Ireland’s wife worked with the victims at Stein Mart in Huntington Beach. Police have not yet released the name of the second victim.
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office booking website, Ireland is a realtor. He is being held without bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday. A motive for the alleged murders and fire are reportedly still under investigation.