Greetings,

I just wanted to know if anyone has any info on the case of the arsonist out West who set fires, then videotaped them using fiirst person narration?

Who was he and did they ever catch him?

I remember seeing that case when I was a kid and have been thinking about it the last few days.

Cheers,

greatgarrett2

"This is hell, MY hell! hahahahahahahaha"

I saved this old article from someplace on the internet, perhaps this forum although I'm not sure. Cold Case Files also did a very good segment on this story:

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. (UPI) -- Police arrested two teenagers Friday
accused of setting a house aflame and making a videotape of the
raging fire narrated by a whispering and maniacally laughing arsonist.

Police spokesman Howard Baker said one of the youths, now 19, confessed
to sparking the 1988 fire and filming the chilling tape.

Detectives linked the teenager to the torching of 11 other structures
and ignition of 15 grass fires in a series of arson blazes that
scorched parts of Redwood City and San Mateo County south of San
Francisco in 1987 and 1988, Baker said. Four of the structure fires
caused more than $2 million in damage.

"There's no motive," Baker said. "We don't know if there are other
suspects involved or not."

Police arrested the two males early Friday on suspicion of arson
for starting the Aug. 15, 1988 videotaped fire that burned to the
ground an unfinished house under construction on Colton Court in
Redwood City.

A 17-year-old boy was released to the custody of his parents. The 19-
year-old was confined at juvenile hall pending a judge's decision on
whether he would be tried as a juvenile or adult, Baker said.

Investigators got 1,600 calls and possible leads from people across the
nation after the videotape was shown on the national television program
"Unsolved Mysteries."

Investigators were given the tape after a family whose car had broken
down found it wrapped in an old military fatigue jacket beside Highway
205 near Stockton, Calif. in August 1989.

The tape shows flames consuming a house at night as an eerie voice
whispers, "Ancient spirit of evil. Look at it. The fire department
is trying to put it out. What a laugh."

The unseen narrator, breathing heavily and laughing, spoke to someone
named "Omar." Some investigators thought it could be a reference to
Satan.

"Look at it Omar ... this is what I've been doing all week's vacation ...
I said I'll do it, I said I'll do it."

Along with the videotape and jacket, the family found a skull, a pestle
used to crush herbs, and other evidence suggesting satanic [sic] rituals
and worship."

Look at it Omar.......:lol:

As hilarious as the narrating is I can't help but getting a little creeped out at the tone that guy uses. I also read in an article considering the arsonist that police believe the Omar that he kept referring to was a friend of the arsonist but had no involvement in the crime.

That case totally creeped me out!!!!!! Especially the narration!!! :eek:

Awsi,

Thanks.....I didn't think it was someone that young, since I thought it was an older man's voice....that reference to Satan I find intriguing.......

Cheers,

greatgarrett2

I think someone once posted that there was another profile of this case (not UM) and they showed additional footage of this looney toon running around his house holding satanic rituals dressed up in various masks. I could be wrong about this but I think I remember someone mentioning this around a year ago on these forums.

I think someone once posted that there was another profile of this case (not UM) and they showed additional footage of this looney toon running around his house holding satanic rituals dressed up in various masks. I could be wrong about this but I think I remember something mentioning this around a year ago on these forums.

It was probably me. I'm not sure if I have it on tape anymore, but I did see a brief segement on the arsonist on one of those trashy home video shows (maybe on Fox). They showed some footage from the infamous tape, which included some shots that were not shown on UM, as well as footage of the kids running around wearing Halloween masks, and playing with fire.

I have that segment on my desktop from echoes of fear. People at work probably think i'm insane if they open it up. I always wanted mug shots of the accused. I love how they threw in that they also found heavy metal cassettes.

I have that segment on my desktop from echoes of fear. People at work probably think i'm insane if they open it up. I always wanted mug shots of the accused. I love how they threw in that they also found heavy metal cassettes.


Well... heavy metal IS the music of the devil, you know... :crazy:

It was probably me. I'm not sure if I have it on tape anymore, but I did see a brief segement on the arsonist on one of those trashy home video shows (maybe on Fox). They showed some footage from the infamous tape, which included some shots that were not shown on UM, as well as footage of the kids running around wearing Halloween masks, and playing with fire.

They showed this footage on Cold Case Files.

They showed this footage on Cold Case Files.

That is not the broadcast I was referring to.

I think that this might have been shown on "the new detectives" or "the investigators" can't be sure which.

I distinctly remember it from Cold Case Files, as nohwheregirl mentioned. They showed the creepy home footage in the dark basement, wearing costumes and making chants.

I find the additional footage from RealTV on YouTube (not sure if it's okay to link that or not...it's pretty easy to find anyway). I'd love to see the mask footage.

Do you guys know which episode of Cold Case Files this was?

Definately a popular case for sure. this segment always used to creep me out. of course it took the mystery out of it when the two JD's were caught. I had never heard about footage of them running around in masks. not sure if I'd want to watch that. :eek:

I have to see it.

Does anyone know what episode of Cold Case Files features this? I've searched and searched. I found one called Diary of a Serial Arsonist, but that's a different case.

Does anyone know what episode of Cold Case Files features this? I've searched and searched. I found one called Diary of a Serial Arsonist, but that's a different case.


There's another thread on here called "redwood city arsonist" with some discussion of these guys and their videos. I don't think there's any info on which episode of CCF or other shows they were on tho...

I saved this old article from someplace on the internet, perhaps this forum although I'm not sure. Cold Case Files also did a very good segment on this story:

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. (UPI) -- Police arrested two teenagers Friday
accused of setting a house aflame and making a videotape of the
raging fire narrated by a whispering and maniacally laughing arsonist.

Police spokesman Howard Baker said one of the youths, now 19, confessed
to sparking the 1988 fire and filming the chilling tape.

Detectives linked the teenager to the torching of 11 other structures
and ignition of 15 grass fires in a series of arson blazes that
scorched parts of Redwood City and San Mateo County south of San
Francisco in 1987 and 1988, Baker said. Four of the structure fires
caused more than $2 million in damage.

"There's no motive," Baker said. "We don't know if there are other
suspects involved or not."

Police arrested the two males early Friday on suspicion of arson
for starting the Aug. 15, 1988 videotaped fire that burned to the
ground an unfinished house under construction on Colton Court in
Redwood City.

A 17-year-old boy was released to the custody of his parents. The 19-
year-old was confined at juvenile hall pending a judge's decision on
whether he would be tried as a juvenile or adult, Baker said.

Investigators got 1,600 calls and possible leads from people across the
nation after the videotape was shown on the national television program
"Unsolved Mysteries."

Investigators were given the tape after a family whose car had broken
down found it wrapped in an old military fatigue jacket beside Highway
205 near Stockton, Calif. in August 1989.

The tape shows flames consuming a house at night as an eerie voice
whispers, "Ancient spirit of evil. Look at it. The fire department
is trying to put it out. What a laugh."

The unseen narrator, breathing heavily and laughing, spoke to someone
named "Omar." Some investigators thought it could be a reference to
Satan.

"Look at it Omar ... this is what I've been doing all week's vacation ...
I said I'll do it, I said I'll do it."

Along with the videotape and jacket, the family found a skull, a pestle
used to crush herbs, and other evidence suggesting satanic [sic] rituals
and worship."

Yes, last I heard the persons involved got some help and rehabilitation done...
Wonder where tey are now.....

I saved this old article from someplace on the internet, perhaps this forum although I'm not sure. Cold Case Files also did a very good segment on this story:

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. (UPI) -- Police arrested two teenagers Friday
accused of setting a house aflame and making a videotape of the
raging fire narrated by a whispering and maniacally laughing arsonist.

Police spokesman Howard Baker said one of the youths, now 19, confessed
to sparking the 1988 fire and filming the chilling tape.

Detectives linked the teenager to the torching of 11 other structures
and ignition of 15 grass fires in a series of arson blazes that
scorched parts of Redwood City and San Mateo County south of San
Francisco in 1987 and 1988, Baker said. Four of the structure fires
caused more than $2 million in damage.

"There's no motive," Baker said. "We don't know if there are other
suspects involved or not."

Police arrested the two males early Friday on suspicion of arson
for starting the Aug. 15, 1988 videotaped fire that burned to the
ground an unfinished house under construction on Colton Court in
Redwood City.

A 17-year-old boy was released to the custody of his parents. The 19-
year-old was confined at juvenile hall pending a judge's decision on
whether he would be tried as a juvenile or adult, Baker said.

Investigators got 1,600 calls and possible leads from people across the
nation after the videotape was shown on the national television program
"Unsolved Mysteries."

Investigators were given the tape after a family whose car had broken
down found it wrapped in an old military fatigue jacket beside Highway
205 near Stockton, Calif. in August 1989.

The tape shows flames consuming a house at night as an eerie voice
whispers, "Ancient spirit of evil. Look at it. The fire department
is trying to put it out. What a laugh."

The unseen narrator, breathing heavily and laughing, spoke to someone
named "Omar." Some investigators thought it could be a reference to
Satan.

"Look at it Omar ... this is what I've been doing all week's vacation ...
I said I'll do it, I said I'll do it."

Along with the videotape and jacket, the family found a skull, a pestle
used to crush herbs, and other evidence suggesting satanic [sic] rituals
and worship."

Yes, last I heard the persons involved got some help and rehabilitation done...
Wonder where tey are now.....

I saved this old article from someplace on the internet, perhaps this forum although I'm not sure. Cold Case Files also did a very good segment on this story:

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. (UPI) -- Police arrested two teenagers Friday
accused of setting a house aflame and making a videotape of the
raging fire narrated by a whispering and maniacally laughing arsonist.

Police spokesman Howard Baker said one of the youths, now 19, confessed
to sparking the 1988 fire and filming the chilling tape.

Detectives linked the teenager to the torching of 11 other structures
and ignition of 15 grass fires in a series of arson blazes that
scorched parts of Redwood City and San Mateo County south of San
Francisco in 1987 and 1988, Baker said. Four of the structure fires
caused more than $2 million in damage.

"There's no motive," Baker said. "We don't know if there are other
suspects involved or not."

Police arrested the two males early Friday on suspicion of arson
for starting the Aug. 15, 1988 videotaped fire that burned to the
ground an unfinished house under construction on Colton Court in
Redwood City.

A 17-year-old boy was released to the custody of his parents. The 19-
year-old was confined at juvenile hall pending a judge's decision on
whether he would be tried as a juvenile or adult, Baker said.

Investigators got 1,600 calls and possible leads from people across the
nation after the videotape was shown on the national television program
"Unsolved Mysteries."

Investigators were given the tape after a family whose car had broken
down found it wrapped in an old military fatigue jacket beside Highway
205 near Stockton, Calif. in August 1989.

The tape shows flames consuming a house at night as an eerie voice
whispers, "Ancient spirit of evil. Look at it. The fire department
is trying to put it out. What a laugh."

The unseen narrator, breathing heavily and laughing, spoke to someone
named "Omar." Some investigators thought it could be a reference to
Satan.

"Look at it Omar ... this is what I've been doing all week's vacation ...
I said I'll do it, I said I'll do it."

Along with the videotape and jacket, the family found a skull, a pestle
used to crush herbs, and other evidence suggesting satanic [sic] rituals
and worship."

Yes, last I heard the persons involved got some help and rehabilitation done...
Wonder where tey are now.....

I saved this old article from someplace on the internet, perhaps this forum although I'm not sure. Cold Case Files also did a very good segment on this story:

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. (UPI) -- Police arrested two teenagers Friday
accused of setting a house aflame and making a videotape of the
raging fire narrated by a whispering and maniacally laughing arsonist.

Police spokesman Howard Baker said one of the youths, now 19, confessed
to sparking the 1988 fire and filming the chilling tape.

Detectives linked the teenager to the torching of 11 other structures
and ignition of 15 grass fires in a series of arson blazes that
scorched parts of Redwood City and San Mateo County south of San
Francisco in 1987 and 1988, Baker said. Four of the structure fires
caused more than $2 million in damage.

"There's no motive," Baker said. "We don't know if there are other
suspects involved or not."

Police arrested the two males early Friday on suspicion of arson
for starting the Aug. 15, 1988 videotaped fire that burned to the
ground an unfinished house under construction on Colton Court in
Redwood City.

A 17-year-old boy was released to the custody of his parents. The 19-
year-old was confined at juvenile hall pending a judge's decision on
whether he would be tried as a juvenile or adult, Baker said.

Investigators got 1,600 calls and possible leads from people across the
nation after the videotape was shown on the national television program
"Unsolved Mysteries."

Investigators were given the tape after a family whose car had broken
down found it wrapped in an old military fatigue jacket beside Highway
205 near Stockton, Calif. in August 1989.

The tape shows flames consuming a house at night as an eerie voice
whispers, "Ancient spirit of evil. Look at it. The fire department
is trying to put it out. What a laugh."

The unseen narrator, breathing heavily and laughing, spoke to someone
named "Omar." Some investigators thought it could be a reference to
Satan.

"Look at it Omar ... this is what I've been doing all week's vacation ...
I said I'll do it, I said I'll do it."

Along with the videotape and jacket, the family found a skull, a pestle
used to crush herbs, and other evidence suggesting satanic [sic] rituals
and worship."

Yes, last I heard the persons involved got some help and rehabilitation done...
Wonder where they are now.....

I saved this old article from someplace on the internet, perhaps this forum although I'm not sure. Cold Case Files also did a very good segment on this story:

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. (UPI) -- Police arrested two teenagers Friday
accused of setting a house aflame and making a videotape of the
raging fire narrated by a whispering and maniacally laughing arsonist.

Police spokesman Howard Baker said one of the youths, now 19, confessed
to sparking the 1988 fire and filming the chilling tape.

Detectives linked the teenager to the torching of 11 other structures
and ignition of 15 grass fires in a series of arson blazes that
scorched parts of Redwood City and San Mateo County south of San
Francisco in 1987 and 1988, Baker said. Four of the structure fires
caused more than $2 million in damage.

"There's no motive," Baker said. "We don't know if there are other
suspects involved or not."

Police arrested the two males early Friday on suspicion of arson
for starting the Aug. 15, 1988 videotaped fire that burned to the
ground an unfinished house under construction on Colton Court in
Redwood City.

A 17-year-old boy was released to the custody of his parents. The 19-
year-old was confined at juvenile hall pending a judge's decision on
whether he would be tried as a juvenile or adult, Baker said.

Investigators got 1,600 calls and possible leads from people across the
nation after the videotape was shown on the national television program
"Unsolved Mysteries."

Investigators were given the tape after a family whose car had broken
down found it wrapped in an old military fatigue jacket beside Highway
205 near Stockton, Calif. in August 1989.

The tape shows flames consuming a house at night as an eerie voice
whispers, "Ancient spirit of evil. Look at it. The fire department
is trying to put it out. What a laugh."

The unseen narrator, breathing heavily and laughing, spoke to someone
named "Omar." Some investigators thought it could be a reference to
Satan.

"Look at it Omar ... this is what I've been doing all week's vacation ...
I said I'll do it, I said I'll do it."

Along with the videotape and jacket, the family found a skull, a pestle
used to crush herbs, and other evidence suggesting satanic [sic] rituals
and worship."

Yes, last I heard the persons involved got some help and rehabilitation done...
Wonder where they are now.....