KMPH Fox 26 Central San Joaquin Valley News Source in Fresno, California Entertainment, News, Sports and Weather | Attempted Murder: Husband Arrested

Attempted Murder: Husband Arrested

By: Norma Yuriar

Fresno Police arrested the Fresno man this week after investigators say Westfall tried to kill his wife Jennifer back in 2007.

According to Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer, Westfall wanted his wife dead in order to collected on a $500,000 Life Insurance policy.

During a press conference on Friday Dyer announced an update to a house fire that broke out back in December of 2007.

Initially Fresno City Fire Chief Randy Bruegman said investigators did not suspect "foul play". That all changed when an informant tipped Fresno Police. 

During an eleven month investigation law enforcement found enough evidence to arrest Westfall and charged him with Arson, Attempted Murder and Insurance Fraud.

Investigators say Westfall used a propane tank to ignite the fire and make it look like an accident.  The fire broke out on December 14th 2007 inside the Westfall home at 3865 E. Ashlan Avenue in Fresno.

"Joe planned to kill his wife and then collect the insurance policy money," said Dyer, "then use those funds to further a relationship that he had established with a person online."

That person according to Dyer is a 19 year old woman from the Philippines.

During an eight month period, records show Westfall sent the woman more than $14,000 in gifts.

"In fact, part of the gifts were some jewelry.  He sent her an engagement ring as well as a wedding ring," said Dyer.

According to investigators Westfall wanted to start a new life with his young mistress and left his wife inside their home to burn during the fire.

"Our crews rescued her. She was actually brought out of the house with significant burns and she was in repertory arrest," said Fire Chief Bruegman. 

Following the fire, Mrs. Westfall told the media that she did not believe her husband tried to kill her.  Police say they are investigating the attempted murder as "domestic violence."

Fresno Police investigators were able to arrest Westfall on Wednesday after confiscating key evidence.  Dyer says there are photographs, emails and text messages detailing Westfall's intent to replace his wife with a young mistress.

Police arrested a second suspect, Michael Cortez.  Investigators say the 42 year old some how participated in covering up the attempted murder, but would not elaborate.

They are also looking for Ruben Rodriguez in connection to the case.  Dyer says Rodriguez is not a suspect but, they do want to speak with him.

Bail is set at $1.2 million for a Joe Westfall.