The two men suspected of starting the Elk fire back in May of 2022 appeared in court yesterday for an early disposition hearing, and had a trial date set for April 25th. Liam Stinson and Aaron McKeeman were arrested last year shortly after reports of a brush fire starting near Elk Trail in Yucca Valley.
The two suspects were reported by San Bernardino Sheriff’s deputies to be driving away in a Toyota Prius from the area in the Yucca Valley hills where the fire started, and were subsequently arrested after deputies discovered that the campers had ignited dry brush near their campsite – which quickly became out of control and eventually grew to 431 acres.
The fire moved quickly through dry brush and invasive grass toward the Northern border of Joshua Tree National Park, threatening about 10 structures. Quick work by Cal Fire and National Park firefighters had the fire fully contained and extinguished within a few days, with no structures lost.
Both suspects were 18 years old at the time of their arrest, and are not residents of the Morongo Basin. They appeared in court yesterday in person to waive their right to a preliminary hearing.
Previously Reported:
