A 34-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with the alleged brutal assault and arson attack on a homeless woman in South Sacramento, California. Surveillance footage captured by local authorities shows the suspect, identified as Jacqueline Popaibarra, pulling up to a quiet street in the area on April 26 and stopping next to a homeless encampment. According to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, she got out of her vehicle and began to argue with the 49-year-old victim, who had just set up to sleep for the night. The suspect then allegedly threw a liquid—presumed to be a fire accelerant—onto the victim and set her on fire. As bystanders helped put out the flames, Popaibarra proceeded to kick the severely burned woman before calmly returning to her car and fleeing the scene. The victim, who suffered burns covering one-third of her body, including her face, arms, torso, and back, was taken to a hospital and intubated for several days. She has been unable to speak or provide a statement to law enforcement due to her condition.
Popaibarra was positively identified by the victim, who has since been arrested on an unrelated robbery charge. The court has set her bail at $400,000 for the alleged attack. The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office has not immediately responded to media inquiries regarding the case, leaving the public in the dark about potential suspects, ongoing investigations, or victim support measures. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and renewed discussions about the treatment of homeless individuals and the need for better public safety measures in areas where homeless encampments are common. Local officials and advocacy groups are calling for increased support services, emergency response training, and stricter laws to prevent such violent acts. Additionally, the case has raised questions about the role of law enforcement in addressing homelessness, balancing public safety with compassion for vulnerable populations.
The victim, who remains in critical condition, has been under the care of medical professionals and is receiving ongoing treatment for burns and related complications. Her hospitalization has left her unable to provide a detailed account of the attack, making the investigation more challenging. Law enforcement is relying on the victim’s identification to build the case against Popaibarra, who is now facing serious criminal charges for arson, assault, and attempted murder. The case has also raised broader concerns about the intersection of homelessness, crime, and public policy, with some lawmakers pushing for legislative action to address underlying issues such as housing insecurity, mental health support, and access to basic necessities for the homeless population.
While the suspect remains in custody, the community is awaiting further details about the investigation and the victim’s recovery. Local authorities have not yet disclosed the full scope of the case, and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office has not commented on the matter. The incident has reignited debates about how society should address homelessness, with many arguing for a more proactive approach that includes both law enforcement and social services. As the victim continues her recovery and Popaibarra faces potential charges, the case remains a deeply unsettling reminder of the complex and often dangerous realities faced by homeless individuals in society.