Deltona house explosion: Suspects in custody on Arson charges.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

Two suspects involved in an explosion that rocked a Deltona home earlier this summer are now in custody, facing charges of arson and possession of a fire bomb, following an extensive investigation by Volusia County Sheriff's detectives.

According to a release, deputies, detectives, bomb technicians, Deltona firefighters, and the state fire marshal responded to the June 24 explosion on Covington Drive in Deltona, where it was determined unknown suspects threw an explosive device through a front bedroom window of the residence. Thankfully no injuries were reported in the fire.

In response to the explosion, deputies, detectives, bomb technicians, Deltona firefighters, and the state fire marshal work together in piecing events leading up to the incident. During an initial investigation of the scene, investigators discovered broken remnants of a Don Julio Reposado Tequila bottle, along with cardboard from a mortar-style firework and copper foil.

The subsequent investigation led detectives to zero in on Christopher Cruz Ayala, the son of the victim, as a primary suspect. Additionally, they identified Jason Smith, a friend of Ayala's, whose vehicle was captured on a License Plate Reader camera as it entered Deltona minutes before the explosion.

The motive behind the arson was a family dispute concerning Ayala's involvement with his brother's girlfriend during his brother's imprisonment in Seminole County. When questioned, Smith denied involvement in the incident, but a search of his vehicle raised suspicions. Detectives found a Don Julio tequila cork in the trunk and a lighter in the back seat.

Cell phone data later showed Smith’s phone was in the area of the explosion when it occurred. Before that, the data showed he was at Ayala’s apartment in Winter Park. On July 11, Smith was arrested and remains at the Volusia County Branch Jail with a bond set at $200,000.

The investigation, however, did not end with Smith's arrest. Detectives continued gathering evidence, utilizing cell phone data, video surveillance footage, and conducting interviews, leading them to obtain a warrant for Ayala's arrest on the same charges as Smith.

Ayala is in custody in the Orange County Jail on a $1.2 million bond on unrelated charges, including trafficking in fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamines. He will be served with his VSO warrant there.