Suspect in arson fire that killed boy has record of violence

Byby Wayne Freedman and Janet O KGO logo
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Suspect in arson fire that killed boy has record of violence
The search continues for a man suspected of setting a house fire that killed his five-year-old son.

VALLEJO, Calif. (KGO) -- Authorities are following up on leads and asking the public to keep an eye out for 53-year-old Darrylone Shuemake, Sr. He is accused of setting his Vallejo house on fire on Sunday morning while his five-year-old son slept with his mother inside.

Five-year-old Dayleon Seil-Shuemake died in the fire. Neighbors reported he was trapped in the master bedroom. The mother, Mickey Seil-Flood, made it out of the house along with her 13-year-old son, but was hospitalized for second and third degree burns.

Solano County records dating back to 2007 show multiple petitions and restraining orders against Shuemake, Sr. for harassment and domestic violence.

Police say he doused a bedroom with accelerant while the family slept in the house, which may explain why the fire burned so hot and fast. Police say he may have set the fire after an argument with the Seil-Flood.

It's being reported that prior to the fire, the couple got into an argument. Neighbors say it wasn't the first time they quarreled.

RELATED: Police investigate Vallejo fire that killed child, severely burned mother

"They were outside pushing each other. She was saying, 'Get out! Leave! Leave!'" said Raylene Helper, a neighbor.

One neighbor says Shuemake adored his son, but called him, "mentally disturbed".

Witnesses describe the situation after the fire as tense.

"She said, 'My baby is it there! Please, please get my baby out of there!' She said, ' dial 911' and I went into panic mode," described Velma Jones, a neighbor.

RELATED: Man accused of setting Vallejo house fire that killed young boy

Jones said her son tried to get to the little boy, but it was too late.

Police are asking the for the public's help, but are warning that Shuemake may be a dangerous.

"He should turn himself in or kill himself," said one neighbor in disgust about Shuemake, Sr.