UPDATE: Seal Beach Police are now looking for a homeless man a “person of interest” in the death of Old Town resident John Donnelly. Police have released photographs of a man identified as Eric Jesus Andrade, include one showing a tattoo on Andrade’s right elbow. Police describe Andrade as a white man, 5 feet 9 inches, of medium build with brown eyes and brown hair.
A “person of interest” may be a witness or a suspect. The photograph has been added to this story.
The facts of the early morning fire last weekend in Seal Beach are not in dispute. The first call that came in just after midnight Friday was from a neighbor on 17th Street, reporting smoke and fire. As it turns out, the arson fire was probably deliberately set. Despite quick work by fire departments and Fire Authority, John Donnelly, 67, and his beloved dog Eddie, a Jack Russell terrier, were killed in the blaze.
As often happens in small towns, word spread quickly. Donnelly was a familiar figure around town, indeed, he was one of the many “characters” who populate Seal Beach. He could be seen riding his bike, his long gray hair flowing and his Jack Russell, Eddie, perched in his bicycle basket. He was concerned about injustice, animals and the environment.
Donnelly was no stranger to The Sun, and could deliver a rapid-fire monologue on many topics of interest. He often sported blue fingernail polish, and when asked, explained that his blue nails were a statement to protect our oceans. He was articulate about his passions.
What many don’t know is that Donnelly had a heart of gold. He touched many hearts in Seal Beach, and probably none so much as the animal rescue community.
Donnelly loved the Seal Beach Animal Care Center, where Eddie came from, and he helped the center and its volunteers in many ways. A tribute to “John and Eddie” from the shelter volunteers and the dogs, appears in today’s paper on page 4.
Donnelly was also known to those at Glory Days, the sports bar, and there is a Celebration of Life planned there for May 14. Donnelly’s garage has become a de facto memorial site already, festooned with flowers, mementos and notes. (See photo, page 1) Other tributes may be planned. Seal Beach has lost an iconic member of the community.
All this begs the question: Who would kill this man? Why? Some neighbors allegedly heard some yelling about a $25 debt, but it is too early in the investigation to answer all the questions.
“The most probable cause of this fire was an incendiary device used to ignite combustibles outside the home, which extended into the residence,” according to Sgt. Phil Gonshak, acting operations commander.
The police are waiting for the autopsy results from the Orange County Coroner’s Office. The autopsy report may not be complete for weeks. As they wait for the results, police are moving ahead with a homicide investigation.
Police have no suspects and no apparent motive for the crime. Gonshak asked that anyone with videos or information call the Police Department or the Fire Authority.
Units from the Fire Authority, the Los Angeles and Huntington Beach fire departments and the Seal Beach Police responded to the 17th Street residential fire shortly after midnight, Saturday, April 30. According to Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Larry Kurtz, firefighters staged an aggressive interior attack on the fire before knocking it down.
After the fire was out, authorities found the bodies of Donnelly and Eddie.
Capt. Kurtz said the fire caused $500,000 in damage to the house and another $20,000 worth of damage to the contents.
Initially, police and fire officials would only say they regarded the fire as suspicious. Kurtz said any fire that involves the death of an individual is going to get extreme scrutiny from the Fire Authority’s investigative unit.
Homicides are rare in Seal Beach.
There haven’t been any since the Salon Meritage murders in October 2011. There was one homicide in each of the three years prior.
Anyone with information about the case should call Seal Beach Police Detective Pete Krok at 562-799-4100, extension 1110.
