SOUTH SACRAMENTO, CA — A horrific attack in South Sacramento has left a 49-year-old homeless woman hospitalized with severe burns after she was intentionally set on fire late Saturday night, according to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies from the Central Division responded around 9:30 p.m. on April 26 to a call near 17th Avenue and Stockton Boulevard. When they arrived, they found the woman with severe burns on her face, torso, arms, and back, covering about one-third of her body.
Fire crews were already on the scene and transported her to the hospital, where she was intubated and unable to speak for several days, investigators said.
Witnesses Rushed to Help
Bystanders at the scene told deputies they saw the woman being set on fire and quickly intervened to extinguish the flames. Detectives launched an immediate investigation and identified 34-year-old Jacqueline Popaibarra as the prime suspect.
Surveillance video and witness statements revealed that Popaibarra allegedly drove to the woman’s encampment, initiated a verbal argument, and then doused her with what investigators believe was a flammable liquid before igniting it.
Witnesses also reported that Popaibarra kicked the woman while she was still burning before fleeing the scene in her car.
Victim Identifies Her Attacker
On Tuesday, detectives were able to speak with the victim, who confirmed Popaibarra as her attacker.
Unrelated to the arson investigation, Popaibarra had already been taken into custody by Sacramento Police on separate robbery charges. Following the new developments, sheriff’s detectives formally charged her in connection with the arson attack.
Charges and Court Appearance
Popaibarra is currently being held at the Sacramento County Main Jail on $400,000 bail. She is scheduled to appear in court Thursday, according to the sheriff’s office.
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