Chula Vista, CA – A horrifying case returned to court this week as the man accused of setting his ex-girlfriend on fire inside a 7-Eleven last year appeared before a judge for a preliminary hearing.
Amanda Buchanan, 44, died days after the brutal attack on August 24, 2024. Prosecutors say her former partner, Jose Carlos Villanueva, 49, entered the store where she was working, doused her in gasoline and set her ablaze. He is charged with murder, torture, mayhem and arson causing great bodily harm.
A Deadly Morning Inside a Neighborhood Store
Officers were dispatched just after 8 a.m. to the convenience store at 899 Broadway when reports of a fire came in. Smoke poured from the front entrance as police arrived. One employee lay outside with severe burns, while another woman’s voice could be heard coming from inside the building.
Police located Buchanan on the floor, unable to move. Officers carried her outside and both women were rushed to the hospital. Buchanan died a few days later. Her colleague survived but suffered significant burn injuries.
Surveillance Footage Reveals the Attack
Buchanan’s son, Dominic Rivera, said he reviewed the store’s surveillance video. He described the sequence of events moments before the flames engulfed his mother.
“She couldn’t see him come in,” Rivera said. “As he came in, she had her back turned to go to the bathroom. He rushed in with a can of gasoline, doused her with it, they got into a scuffle, and that’s when he set her on fire.”
Her co-worker rushed to help, suffering burns while trying to extinguish the flames. The store owner ultimately stopped the fire with a fire extinguisher after approximately 40 seconds, Rivera said.
Suspect Arrested After Fleeing 100 Miles
Villanueva left the scene in a BMW and was tracked using license plate reader technology. Police arrested him later that day at a gas station in Redlands, roughly 100 miles north of Chula Vista.
Authorities confirmed that Villanueva and Buchanan had previously been in a relationship, but they have not released any information about a possible motive.
Witness Details “Mummy-Like” Injuries in Court
During Wednesday’s hearing, one of Buchanan’s close friends described the condition she was in after the attack.
“She was wrapped like a mummy,” said Alma Ogden, recalling her hospital visit. “She had no face and no ears. Her hair was gone. The only thing I could see was her toes.”
Her statement underscored the severity of the injuries caused by the gasoline-fueled blaze.
Case Continues as Community Seeks Answers
The preliminary hearing will continue on December 17, where prosecutors are expected to present additional evidence. Villanueva remains in the San Diego County Jail without bond.
The deadly assault drew widespread outrage throughout the community, with advocates pointing to the case as a grim reminder of the dangers surrounding intimate-partner violence. Local organizations have since stressed the importance of early intervention and awareness for individuals experiencing threats or harassment from former partners.
Law enforcement officials urge residents to take any signs of escalating domestic conflict seriously and to reach out for help through available hotlines and victim-support services.
If you or someone you know is experiencing threats or violence, contact your local police department or a domestic violence support organization. Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below.
