MEDIA RELEASE

Contact:  Dana M. Crom
760.878.0282
[email protected]

May 21, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

CRIMINAL COMPLAINT FILED IN EASTSIDE BIVY ARSON INCIDENT

 

District Attorney Dana Crom announced that her office has filed multiple felony charges against forty-five year old Nacona Mae Stephenson of Ridgecrest, California, all arising out of the May 19, 2026, fire at the Eastside Guesthouse & Bivy in Bishop.

 

“This office received the Bishop Police Department’s initial reports on Thursday, May 21^st, and based on those reports and briefings from investigators, we determined that it was appropriate to file formal criminal charges.  The complaint charges Ms. Stephenson with Arson of an Inhabited Structure, Arson Causing Great Bodily Injury, and Attempted First Degree Murder.

 

“Additionally, it is alleged that Ms. Stephenson was previously convicted of a “strike” offense under California’s Three Strikes Law, stemming from a 2017 conviction in Inyo County Superior Court. If convicted of all charges and enhancements, Ms. Stephenson could be facing life in state prison.”

 

Ms. Stephenson was arraigned on the charges today and entered pleas of “not guilty”.  Bail in the case was set at $500,000.00.  She remains subject to a “no bail” hold from a pending Post Release Community Supervision violation in Kern County.  Her next court appearance is set for May 26, 2026 in Indepenence.

 

“I wish to extend my sincere thanks to our first responders whose swift response and tireless efforts prevented the loss of lives, further injuries and the spread of the fire.  In addition, the coordinated investigation undertaken by the Bishop Police Department, Bishop Fire Department, Inyo County District Attorney’s Office and CalFire resulted in the identification of a suspect and the ultimate arrest of Ms. Stephenson less than 24 hours after the incident.  Hats off to everyone involved for their hard work and dedication to protecting the safety of our community.”

 

The case remains under investigation, and if new or additional information comes to light, the charges may be modified.  Anyone having any information regarding the incident, and who has not already done so, is very strongly encouraged to contact the Bishop Police Department.

 

As in any criminal case, Ms. Stephenson is presumed to be innocent until the charges are proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

 

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