Joseph Ashley Garcia, 44, was sentenced last week to life in prison without parole for murdering his father by setting him on fire in 2022. The attack occurred in Lompoc while the victim held his dog on his lap.
Garcia was convicted in April of first-degree murder with a torture enhancement, along with animal cruelty charges. He admitted pouring three to four ounces of tiki torch oil on his 68-year-old father Joseph Michael Garcia's head before igniting it.
The victim suffered burns on 35 percent of his body and died from septic shock 10 days later. Prosecutors described the case as one of the most disturbing they have handled.
During sentencing in Santa Maria Superior Court, Garcia remained silent except when speaking to his attorney. The district attorney said the verdict sends a clear message against extreme cruelty.