DELTONA, FLORIDA: Deputies reported that two men were detained after they allegedly built an explosive device out of copper foil, a firework, and a bottle of Don Julio tequila and threw it into a Deltona home. The two men threw an explosive device through a front bedroom window on June 24 on Covington Drive in Deltona, which resulted in an explosion.
Christopher Cruz Ayala, the son of the fire victim, and Jason Smith, another suspect, were named as accused by detectives. A License Plate Reader camera caught Smith's car just before it entered Deltona, a few minutes before the explosion. According to deputies, the fire was set off by a family argument over Ayala's relationship with his imprisoned brother's girlfriend.
Smith denied any involvement
A few minutes prior to the explosion, a License Plate Reader camera caught Smith's car as it was entering Deltona. The fire was reportedly started over a family dispute over a relationship Ayala was having with his incarcerated brother's girlfriend, deputies said. According to deputies, Smith's cell phone data indicated that he was present when the explosion took place. Smith denied any involvement when questioned by detectives, but a Don Julio tequila cork was discovered in his car's trunk during the search.
He's still being held on a $1.2 million bond at the Orange County Jail
According to deputies, Smith's cell phone data indicated that he was present when the explosion took place. Data also showed Smith at Ayala's home in Winter Park. Smith was detained on July 11 and is still being held at the Volusia County Branch Jail on $200,000 bond. Detectives were able to obtain a search warrant for Ayala's arrest after gathering additional evidence. Ayala was recently detained in Orange County on unrelated charges, including trafficking in fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine. He's still being held on a $1.2 million bond at the Orange County Jail, as reported by FoxOrlando.
'The motive for the arson was determined to be a family dispute..'
The news release states, "The motive for the arson was determined to be a family dispute over a relationship Ayala was having with his brother's girlfriend during his brother's incarceration in Seminole County."
People have acknowledged the cops work on the case. As one of the users wrote, "Great job to all working on this case!" Another netizen wrote, "Let's hope the Judge does what they're suppose to do and incarcerate them for a very long time." The last user wrote, "Great job guys! Very proud of you all. Glad you're safe."
