Posted on 11/01/2017 6:56:25 PM PDT by nickcarraway
A Boulder Creek man who is charged with intentionally causing the 400-acre Bear Fire in the Santa Cruz mountains pleaded not guilty to 11 felonies in court Tuesday.
Marlon Coy mouthed the words "You're next," to Santa Cruz County District Attorney Jeff Rosell and glared at the top prosecutor.
Outside the courtroom, when asked about it by KSBW, Rosell said, "bring it on."
Coy, 54, is charged with arson causing great bodily injury to firefighters, arson of an inhabited structure or property, arson of a forest, looting an evacuated house, and brandishing a firearm.
The Bear Fire in Boulder Creek injured 13 firefighters, destroyed two homes, and burned nearly 400 acres of forests before it was contained Oct. 26. It cost $7.1 million for CalFire to battle the blaze.
"It's arson, it's not an accident. We are going to come after you if you do those sort of things in this county," Rosell said Tuesday.
Sheriff Jim Hart described Coy as a "depraved man."
Hart's investigators said Coy intentionally ignited the wildfire on the night of Oct. 16 because he got into a dispute with someone.
After more than 150 residents evacuated, Coy looted an evacuated house on Hidden Springs Road and stole $15,000 worth of jewelry, Sheriff's Lt. Todd Liberty said. Deputies found Coy in Live Oak riding a bicycle that he also stole from the Hidden Springs Road house and he was carrying a backpack with the jewels inside, Liberty said. Coy was arrested.
Marlon Coy KSBW Marlon Coy "Rarely have I seen more reckless actions than those committed by this depraved man," Hart said. "If not for the heroic efforts of first responders, (Coy) could easily be facing murder charges today."
Investigators pinpointed the Bear Fire's origin to 475 Dianes Way, where Coy lived with several other adults in various types of structures.
Julia Cabibi also lived on the property and her home was destroyed. The sheriff said Coy and Cabibi were in a "dating relationship."
Three men told deputies that they saw Coy light the wildfire. According to court documents, Coy brandished a firearm at the person he was feuding with.
The Sheriff's Office declined to identify who Coy was arguing with moments before he allegedly lit the blaze.
Julia Cabibi Julia Cabibi / Facebook Julia Cabibi Deputies are still looking for Cabibi because they want to question her. Cabibi is not considered a suspect.
"We just need to know what she knows," prosecutor Mike McKinney said.
Cabibi has written a few Facebook posts in recent days, including one post stating, "My house got burned because some (expletive) was stealing my uncles muscle cars and I found him out...it's all so (expletive)."
She also wrote, "Everyone is being so judgmental and has turned their backs. This has been devastating."
Coy remains behind bars with his bail set at $800,000. His public defender asked to have it reduced to $150,000, but Judge John Salazar denied that motion.
Coy is scheduled to return to court on December 1.
Cue the Beatles “Helter Skelter”.
“W#hat are those sores on her lips?”
Broken fish hooks.
Mr. Coy’s outfit looks like it would fit Hillary perfectly. It looks like he’s mastered the Hillary facial expressions, too.
I didn’t know that the Bear fire was arson. So glad that they got this one contained so quickly. I’m surprised I didn’t see any smoke from this fire over tje Santa Cruz Mtns.
Looks like the new Ferric Herpes to me.
“What Halloween mask? I ain’t wearin’ no mask!”
It was very slow spreading, I think because much of it was in very steep canyons.
Looks like #5 bird shot.
A couple guys and one of our vehicles from my Volunteer Fire dept went out to California with a strike team from Sandoval County, NM, FD. They were assigned to the Bear fire.
Then they were sent to protect a commercial marijuana farm from the flames.
but WTF is that spider thing tattooed on her arm?
Why does she have a combination wrench and an adjustable wrench on a necklace?
Tell your guys “thanks” from us Californians. That fire was quite close to home and in some of the most beautifipul stands of redwoods.
That’s a long ways from NM to NorCal! Im surprised they drove one of your trucks here — that’s a LONG drive.
Our local paper today has a nice story about our local fire captain being sent up to Santa Rosa to fight the Tubbs Fire.
I wanted to go, but there wasn’t room. I found out too late. Working on upgrading my rating, so I can participate more.
Definitely, thanks.
A life well lived.
Meth is a cruel mistress.
Guy LOOKS certifiable.
The old lady’s not half bad, but what’s between here EARS nukes that deal.
Santa Cruz area is on it’s 3rd generation of ‘Drop Out’ hippies. NOt one of them worth a damn. Drugs & problems from the first jump.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.