Competency hearing scheduled for woman charged with burning Rosamond travel trailers
Jan 07, 2025
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- A woman who admitted setting fires in Rosamond that destroyed two travel trailers is scheduled for a competency hearing next month.
Stephanie Burko, 40, is charged with two counts of arson and remains in custody on $75,000 bail following her arrest on Dec. 27.
Man sentenced for assaulting security guard in Bakersfield
At next month's hearing, a judge will weigh evidence including doctors’ reports to determine whether Burko understands the charges against her and can assist her attorney in the preparation of a defense.
If she's found competent, the case will proceed. If not, criminal proceedings will be suspended and she'll be sent to a state hospital where efforts will be made to restore her to competency.
Burko told Kern County Fire investigators she ignited the blazes on 100th Street West because people were chasing her and she feared for her life, according to court filings.
Never miss a story: Make KGET.com your homepage
She was unable to identify anyone who threatened her -- she claimed she didn't know them -- and was still lighting fires with a can of butane and silver lighter when firefighters arrived, the filings said.
Both trailers were burned to the frame.
The homeowner told investigators he and his girlfriend allowed Burko, who is homeless, to spend the night in the front portion of their trailer and he awoke the next morning to his dogs barking and the living area on fire. They escaped with minor injuries, firefighters said.