A San Diego man was found guilty Thursday of lighting the house fire that killed his mother and sister.
The jury convicted Thongsavath Sphabmixay, 46, of murder, attempted murder and arson, including special circumstance additions of multiple murders and murder by arson.
The special circumstances mean Sphabmixay faces life in prison without parole at his Dec. 19 sentencing.
On April 4, 2013, firefighters discovered Bouakham Sphabmixay, 69, and Pamela Sphabmixay, 48, unconscious in two upstairs rooms after a fire broke out at their Mira Mesa house.
The women were taken to the UCSD burn center, where they died the following day from smoke inhalation.
Fire officials said the fire appeared suspicious from the start, for they found gas containers, lighter fluid and lighters inside the home. Prosecutors say Sphabmixay’s DNA was found on one of the containers.
Sphabmixay maintained his innocence through the court proceedings.
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A renter was inside at the time of the fire but escaped by jumping from a window. Police say a witness saw Sphabmixay leaving the home right after the fire started. He showed up on scene again shortly after.
