Jose Carlos Villanueva, 49, appeared in court on December 3, 2025, for a preliminary hearing on charges of murder, arson causing great bodily harm, mayhem, and torture in the August 24, 2024, death of his ex-girlfriend Amanda Buchanan, 44, at a Chula Vista 7-Eleven. Officers responded to smoke at the store on 899 Broadway around 8 a.m., finding Buchanan severely burned inside and a co-worker injured outside; Buchanan died days later. Surveillance showed Villanueva entering with gasoline, dousing her during a scuffle, igniting it, then fleeing in a BMW tracked via license plate readers to Redlands for arrest.​
Incident and Victim Injuries
Buchanan, the store manager, had her back turned when attacked; her son Dominic Rivera viewed footage confirming the ambush and 40-second fire extinguished by the owner. Friend Alma Ogden testified she appeared “wrapped like a mummy” with no face, ears, or hair visible, only toes. The co-worker survived serious burns after trying to help.​
Court Status
Villanueva, with a prior violent record and out on bail, remains in San Diego County Jail without bond. The hearing continues December 17, 2025; motive undisclosed despite their past relationship.
