On June 23, it was reported to the Alaska State Troopers that an adult male had suffered severe burns at a cabin in Kasilof.

A preliminary investigation determined that the man and three teenage boys were in Alaska on a fishing trip with a residential treatment program for troubled youth.

During the incident, one of the juveniles allegedly poured gasoline on the sleeping man and set him on fire.

The victim suffered substantial burns and other injuries and was medevaced to an Anchorage-area hospital for treatment. His injuries were considered serious but not life-threatening.

The other two juveniles were not injured in the incident and were released into the care of other staff members working with the treatment program.

The juvenile suspected of setting the fire was arrested on multiple felony-level charges and remanded to the custody of the Alaska Division of Juvenile Justice. The investigation was conducted jointly by the Alaska Bureau of Investigation, the Kenai Peninsula Borough Fire Marshal’s Office, and Soldotna patrol troopers.

Investigators initially noted that additional charges would be filed as the case developed.

On July 31, the Kenai District Attorney’s Office, working with the Alaska Bureau of Investigation, charged 18-year-old Isaac Caldera with three counts of Assault Ias well as one count of Arson I. 

Caldera was subsequently transferred from the Kenai Youth Facility to Wildwood Pretrial, where he remains as the case proceeds.