Repeat Offender is Accused of Setting a Homeless Man on Fire after Beating and Stabbing Him
OAKLAND —A man with numerous prior arrests and convictions since 1982 is behind bars again. Andre D. Weston was jailed this time on suspicion of beating, stabbing, and setting a homeless man on fire.
The 58-year-old Oakland resident remains in custody at Santa Rita Jail in lieu of $150,000 bond. Weston is charged with murder, use of a deadly weapon, and committing another offense after being released on bail or his own recognizance.
Weston allegedly attacked another 58-year-old man on March 3. The victim William Vann was living inside his car on the 500 block of Douglas Avenue. Vann suffered third-degree burns on most of his body and he later died.
Investigators determined an argument between the suspect and victim precipitated this deadly attack. Weston allegedly poured an accelerant on the victim and set him aflame. First responders found witnesses extinguishing the flames on the victim’s body.
Authorities relied on video surveillance recordings and witness statements to identify Weston as the suspect. Weston was arrested on July 27. He is scheduled to appear August 23 for a plea hearing at the East County Hall of Justice.
Weston has prior convictions for assault, shooting at an inhabited dwelling, false imprisonment, and committing a lewd act on a child.
He has prior arrests on weapons-related charges, including possession of a concealed weapon and ammunition. He
