Investigators: Man professed love for woman he tried to kill

A Lantana man enraged by unrequited love set a woman on fire after finding out she was in an alleged relationship with his stepfather, authorities said.

Luis Angel Quinonez, 53, is accused of pouring gasoline on Angelica Acosta Blanco, 61, and igniting her in flames on Monday night, according to an arrest report from the Palm Beach County Sherriff’s Office.

Firefighters arrived at a home ablaze in the 7100 block of San Castle Boulevard in Lantana at about 10:30 p.m., and found Quinonez outside with a garden hose trying to extinguish the fire.

Acosta Blanco was on fire as she ran from the home, investigators said.

During questioning, Quinonez said he was enraged about the “romantic relationship” between Acosta Blanco and his stepfather, Feliberto Alvarez, because he was also in love with her, the report stated.

Acosta Blanco had lived in the family’s home for years and had cared for Quinonez’s mother until the woman died about a month ago. Alvarez lived on the property, but in a separate home, authorities said.

Quinonez said he stormed out upon learning Acosta Blanco was involved with his stepfather, and went to a gas station where he filled a container with fuel.

When he returned to the home, he poured the gas on Acosta Blanco and set her on fire using a lighter, detectives said. He told police he had been drinking prior to the attack.

Witnesses said they saw Acosta Blanco running from the house while on fire — and though Quinonez was outside with a hose, he chose to point it at his burning home instead of the victim. Authorities said Acosta Blanco also told witnesses that Quinonez was the person who burned her.

Quinonez told investigators he would have killed his stepfather instead, had he been home at the time, according to the arrest report.

Acosta Blanco was taken to Delray Medical Center in critical condition and then flown to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami for treatment of second- and third-degree burns. Information on her condition was unavailable Wednesday.

Quinonez is facing a charge of attempted first-degree murder and is being held without bond in the Palm Beach County Jail.