Fire Victim a Possible Target in 5 Previous Arson Cases

An attorney whose La Habra Heights home was deliberately set on fire this week was the possible target in at least five previous arson cases, authorities said Thursday.

Edward A. Wilson, who practiced criminal and family law in Whittier, has been the victim of arsons dating to 1995, said Capt. Dave Carlisle of the Whittier Police Department.

Wilson, his wife and son escaped from their burning house early Wednesday after someone apparently poured a petroleum-based liquid through a pet door and set a fire, said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Mark Bailey.

The spacious, two-story house in the hilly, upscale neighborhood was destroyed.

The fire followed four other arsons and one case of attempted arson occurring near Wilson’s law offices.

A blaze was set Jan. 1 at a four-story commercial building in the 7600 block of Painter Avenue in Whittier, causing $200,000 in damage, Carlisle said. That fire appeared to have begun on the second floor, where Wilson had his office.

Another fire was set at the building Feb. 5, destroying it, said Henry Rodriguez, an inspector for the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The second fire--which caused $2.4 million in damage--also seemed to have originated on the second floor.

On Dec. 30, 1995, a fire damaged a building in the 15800 block of Whittier Boulevard in Whittier where Wilson had an office, Carlisle said. There was a second arson at the same building May 29, 1997, and a suspect was seen nearby. Witnesses described him as a thin white male, about 6-foot-4, wearing dark clothes and driving a white Ford Escort. Between those two fires, Carlisle said, arson was attempted at the same building.

Authorities have not identified any suspects or motives for the arson. Wilson could not be reached for comment. An acquaintance of the family said none of the neighbors know where the Wilsons are staying.

“According to Mr. Wilson, he has no idea why someone has targeted him,” Carlisle said.