Exclusive | Santa Barbara County killer emotionless in court as he learns fate for setting dad and dog on fire

The madman who killed his father after setting him and the family dog on fire inside their Santa Barbara County home appeared stone-faced in court as a judge sentenced him to life in prison Wednesday for the horrifying crime.Joseph Ashley Garcia learned his fate after being convicted of first-degree murder in April over the grisly 2022 slaying of his father, 68-year-old Joseph Michael Garcia, in Lompoc.The convicted murderer barely spoke during the sentencing in Santa Barbara County Superior Court, except when he appeared to lean over and whisper to his attorney.The younger Garcia didn’t react when Judge Stephen Dunkle handed down the life sentence.

He sat expressionless as the judge read victim impact statements and a video of his deceased father played in the courtroom.In June 2022, police responding to a domestic dispute at the family’s home on North D Street saw the younger Garcia arguing with his father through a window, while the dad sat with the family’s terrier, Charlie, on his lap.Officers forced their way inside when the son refused to cooperate and heard screaming and barking, finding the father engulfed in flames.The dog was also severely burned.The victim suffered second- and third-degree burns over 35% of his body, dying 10 days later from septic shock while undergoing skin graft surgery.Before he died, he told police his son had tried to stab him with a knife before asking for the dog.Investigators found a bottle half-filled with acetone, which they believe was used to start the fire, along with a lighter and a large machete.Authorities said the attack was fueled by Garcia’s drug use and his angry claims that his father and his spouse were having an affair.In April, a jury found him guilty of first-degree murder and determined the killing involved the special circumstance of torture.Santa Barbara County District Attorney John Savrnoch called the case one of the most disturbing his office has prosecuted....