San Antonio grandfather charged in fire that killed grandson

Jeremy Alonzo Soto died in pickup truck fire; Joel Soto charged with arson

A 51-year-old grandfather was charged in connection with a fire that killed his 2-year-old grandson.

Joel Soto, 51, is charged with felony arson of a vehicle.

Soto told investigators his truck was having trouble so he pulled over near Rogers Road and Mt. Evans to examine it.

He claims he began working on the carburetor when a flash fire ignited and knocked him to the ground.

According to the arrest affidavit, Soto said the injuries he sustained kept him from trying to rescue his 2-year-old grandson, Jeremy Alonzo Soto, who was trapped inside.

The child was pronounced dead at the scene.

Soto told investigators a full container of gasoline was behind the passenger seat, according to the affidavit.

The document also states that Soto's injuries were "inconsistent with his explanation of events."

But SAFD arson investigators found no evidence of a gas container upon their examination of the truck days later.

The police report of the incident states the fire might have started inside the truck and not in the engine area.

Both SAPD and SAFD are investigating.

Jeremy Alonzo Soto image


About the Author

Myra Arthur is passionate about San Antonio and sharing its stories. She graduated high school in the Alamo City and always wanted to anchor and report in her hometown. Myra anchors KSAT News at 6:00 p.m. and hosts and reports for the streaming show, KSAT Explains. She joined KSAT in 2012 after anchoring and reporting in Waco and Corpus Christi.

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