VISTA — A man accused of setting a fire that killed the San Marcos couple who rented him a room pleaded not guilty to murder, arson and animal cruelty charges, more than seven months after firefighters found the couple dead inside their home.
Luis Alvarado, 34, remains in custody without bail. He faces two counts of murder, and one count each of arson causing great bodily injury, arson of an inhabited structure and animal cruelty. Prosecutors also allege special circumstances of multiple murders and murder during the commission of arson.
If convicted of first-degree murder and the special circumstances are found true, Alvarado could face life in prison without parole or the death penalty if prosecutors seek it.
First responders arrived at about 11:45 p.m. March 28 to find the home in the 900 block of Lacebark Street engulfed in flames. Once firefighters could safely enter, they found Michael Austin, 73, and his wife, Kathryn Austin, 72, dead in a second-floor room. The couple’s dog, Journey, also died in the fire.
Alvarado, who rented a room in the Austins’ home, was arrested the next day.
Dozens of the Austins’ relatives filled the courtroom at Alvarado’s April 2 appearance at the Vista Courthouse. Superior Court Judge Harry Elias suspended criminal proceedings after Alvarado’s defense attorney raised doubts about his competency to stand trial. Alvarado did not enter a plea that day.
Alvarado was found incompetent to stand trial over the summer and committed to a state hospital for treatment, according to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. A judge found him competent at an Oct. 30 hearing in San Diego, clearing the way for the criminal case to resume.
At the April hearing, Elias also ended mental health diversion in two separate cases that were pending at the time of the fire. Court records previously reviewed by The Coast News show Alvarado was charged with exhibiting a deadly weapon in October 2024 and harassment in January 2025.
Diversion allowed him to receive treatment with the possibility of having the charges dismissed. His last diversion review before the fire was March 13, about two weeks before the Austins died.
The Austins had several children and grandchildren. Their family remembered Michael for his adventurous cooking and his ability to hold a room with a story. Kathryn, known as Kathy, loved bowling and doing arts and crafts with her grandchildren.
“As their children, we are trying to process a loss that still feels impossible,” their son, Gabriel Austin, wrote on a GoFundMe page set up for the family.
