The case began Monday, when deputies responded to the home to investigate after a man was found shot to death in a shed on the property.
A 28-year-old man is behind bars on arson charges after investigators say he set fire to a Spanaway property the day after detectives finished searching it for evidence in a murder case.
Aldo Guzman-Gamboa, who lived at the home in the 1700 block of 168th Street East, was arrested after deputies say they found two torches, gas cans and a lighter on the property.
He has not been charged in connection with the killing, and investigators have not said whether they believe Guzman-Gamboa is also responsible for the murder.
Central Pierce Fire & Rescue firefighters battle a house fire in Spanaway on Aug. 11, 2026. (Courtesy: Central Pierce Fire & Rescue)The case began Monday, when deputies responded to the home to investigate after a man was found shot to death in a shed on the property. Neighbors say the victim was a tenant there and believe his death may be tied to an ongoing dispute with the landlord.
"The mother asked him to do a welfare check, go in and check on him," neighbor Ross Harbin said. "The guy opened the door, looked down, backed out and said there's nothing to check."
Harbin said the victim was given until Aug. 1 to move out but hadn't left yet.
"He wouldn't move; they kept trying to get him out, and he kept trying to fix trucks so he could haul stuff away," Harbin said. "I guess it wasn't quick enough for them."
Central Pierce Fire & Rescue firefighters battle a house fire in Spanaway on Aug. 11, 2026. (Courtesy: Central Pierce Fire & Rescue)Just hours after investigators wrapped up their search of the scene, the home was engulfed in flames.
"We were down the road when our roommate called and said the neighbor's house was on fire, so we raced home, and I started hosing down my house, because I didn't want anything to jump over," Harbin said.
Suspect points to his mother, but evidence tells a different story
According to court documents, Guzman-Gamboa is diagnosed with schizophrenia and "suffers from severe paranoia and hallucinations." He told investigators his mother confessed to the killing, allegedly telling him "I would do anything for you" and that she had killed the victim. He also claimed she started the fire and was seen pouring gasoline around the property.
But investigators say the evidence contradicts his account. His mother told police she saw his bed on fire, saw a lighter and fuel container in his backpack, and saw him near where the fire started.
What's next
Guzman-Gamboa remains in custody on the arson charge. A judge has ordered him to undergo a mental health evaluation before the case proceeds. Prosecutors say he's due back in court in two weeks.
