Woman Charged with Murder of Elderly Resident in Santa Monica House Fire

By Jorge Casuso

May 3, 2018 -- Murder charges were filed Thursday against a 26-year-old Santa Monica woman believed to be involved in an arson house fire on Monday that resulted in the death of an elderly woman, police said.

The victim was discovered unconscious inside the single-family home in the 2600 block of 31st Street in Sunset Park where the fire was reported at 9:41 p.m., police said.

She was transported to a local hospital, where she died that night.

The suspect -- identified as Victoria Renae Darlington -- was charged with murder and arson to an inhabited structure.

An investigation by the Santa Monica Police and Fire Departments found evidence that the fire was "intentionally ignited," said SMPD spokesman Lt. Saul Rodriguez.

"Darlington was identified as a primary suspect involved in the incident," Rodriguez said.

She was located and taken into custody in Riverside by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, he said.

The charges were filed with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s
Office - Airport Division Courthouse Thursday morning.

Darlington remains in custody with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office on a $2 million bail pending future court proceedings.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact Detective Cooper (310) 458-8478; Detective Leone (310) 458-8949; or the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-8491.