Judge questions accused arsonist's mental faculties

CHINO -- The arson prosecution of a Chino man accused of setting fire to his own house was suspended this week after a judge declared doubts as to the man's mental competence.

Judge Gerard S. Brown made the ruling in John Cordero Orosco's case Wednesday in Chino Superior Court.

Orosco, 60, confessed to detectives to setting his home on fire May 23 following an argument with his wife, who he's been separated from for about two years.

According to a police report attached to his court file, Orosco told detectives he stood inside the home after setting the fire hoping he'd be killed. But as the home filled with smoke, Orosoco said he changed his mind and escaped.