Sacramento, CA – A harrowing incident has shaken the South Sacramento community after authorities announced the arrest of a woman accused of committing an unthinkable act of violence against a homeless woman. According to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, a 49-year-old homeless woman suffered severe burns after she was intentionally set on fire late in the evening of April 26, 2025.

Sheriff’s Central Division Patrol Deputies responded around 9:30 p.m. to the area of 17th Avenue and Stockton Boulevard, following a call for assistance from Sacramento Fire Department personnel who were attending to the victim. Upon arrival, deputies found the woman with extensive burn injuries covering roughly one-third of her body, including her face, torso, arms, and back.

The victim, whose name has not been released due to the ongoing investigation and the nature of her injuries, was immediately transported to a nearby hospital. Due to the severity of the burns, she was intubated and sedated for several days, rendering her unable to speak or provide a statement to investigators.

Sheriff’s detectives launched an intensive investigation into the assault, gathering evidence from the scene and working to identify a suspect. According to a statement released by the Sheriff’s Office, the investigation quickly led authorities to 34-year-old Jacqueline Popaibarra, who was already in custody on an unrelated robbery charge.

Detectives allege that Popaibarra deliberately drove to the area where the victim had set up camp for the night. An argument reportedly ensued between the two women before Popaibarra escalated the situation dramatically. Authorities allege she doused the victim with an unidentified liquid and then set her ablaze. Disturbingly, it is also alleged that Popaibarra kicked the victim while she was on fire before fleeing the scene in her vehicle.

“This is one of the most horrific crimes our deputies and detectives have seen,” a Sheriff’s spokesperson stated. “The deliberate targeting of a vulnerable member of our community in such a violent manner is beyond reprehensible.”

After several days of recovery, the victim regained the ability to speak and gave a formal statement to law enforcement officials. In her account, she positively identified Popaibarra as her attacker, confirming investigators’ suspicions.

The motive for the attack remains unclear, and detectives continue to investigate whether the incident stemmed from a personal dispute or was an act of random violence.

Popaibarra now faces additional felony charges, including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and mayhem, in connection with the April 26 attack. She remains in custody at the Sacramento County Main Jail.

Local advocacy groups have since spoken out about the growing dangers faced by Sacramento’s unhoused population, urging city officials to increase both protections and resources for individuals living on the streets.

“This attack highlights just how vulnerable people experiencing homelessness truly are,” said Lisa Moreno, director of a local outreach nonprofit. “No one deserves to suffer such cruelty. We need to do more — as a community and as a city — to protect our most at-risk neighbors.”

The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward as the investigation continues.

This case serves as a grim reminder of the risks faced by individuals living without shelter and the importance of continued vigilance, support services, and justice for all community members — regardless of their housing status.