Teen Pleads Not Guilty to Lighting Ex-Boyfriend's Bed on Fire

A Redwood City teenager who is accused of burning her ex-boyfriend by lighting his bed on fire has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder in San Mateo County Court.

Jacqueline Rivera, 18, allegedly went to the home of her 21-year-old ex-boyfriend in the early morning hours of April 26 with the intention of talking to him about their relationship, District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said.

The victim refused, and at approximately 3 a.m., he reportedly woke up in bed and his mattress had been set on fire, prosecutors said.

The victim's father heard him scream and ran to the room with a garden hose to extinguish the flames.

The victim suffered minor burns on his hands and arms and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Two weeks after the incident, Rivera allegedly sent a text message to a friend of the victim confessing that she was responsible for lighting the fire, prosecutors said.

Police were contacted and Rivera was arrested on May 7.

In addition to attempted murder, Rivera on Tuesday pleaded not guilty to arson and residential burglary.

Rivera remains in custody on $500,000 bail and is due back in court on June 28.

--Bay City News

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