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Fugitive Sought Again in Bobby Salazar’s Restaurant Arson Case
David Taub Website photo 2024
By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 2 hours ago on
January 20, 2026

Federal prosecutors say the Bobby Salazar’s Restaurant fire was intentionally set as part of an alleged arson-for-hire scheme tied to an insurance claim. One of the suspects missed a court date and is wanted by federal authorities. (GV Wire Composite)

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A suspect accused of setting fire to Bobby Salazar’s Restaurant in central Fresno is once again wanted by federal authorities.

Shylo Badiali is one of three suspects arrested in connection with the 2024 fire. Court records show she allegedly violated the terms of her pretrial release and failed to appear for a court date.

A judge issued a bench warrant for her arrest.

“The U.S. Marshals are tasked with looking for fugitives. The defendant has not yet been arrested,” U.S. Department of Justice spokesperson Lauren Horwood said.

Badiali Violated Release Conditions

Federal prosecutors allege Salazar hired Badiali and Thomas Qualls — described as the leader of a Sanger motorcycle gang — for $10,000 to burn Bobby Salazar’s Restaurant on Blackstone Avenue.

Salazar collected about $980,000 in insurance settlement proceeds, according to court records.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara A. McAuliffe granted Badiali release on her own recognizance on Nov. 17. The release included several conditions, including refraining from drug and alcohol use and wearing a location monitor.

A petition filed by U.S. Pretrial Services Officer Francisco J. Guerrero on Dec. 31, 2025, alleges Badiali tested positive for amphetamine/methamphetamine on Nov. 21 — four days after her release. Another sample taken on Dec. 12 came back positive for alcohol.

Guerrero also accused Badiali of violating monitoring rules by “making an unapproved stop on her way home and arriving home 27 minutes past her approved return time.” When confronted, she reported stopping at a CVS to print medical insurance paperwork but was unable to provide proof of the detour.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Erica P. Grosjean set a hearing for Jan. 6, 2026. Badiali failed to attend, court records show, and Grosjean issued a bench warrant.

In a separate petition from Renee M. Basurto, supervisory U.S. Pretrial Services officer, Badiali allegedly tampered with her monitor on Jan. 5. The suspect never responded to “several” voice and text messages.

“All efforts to locate the defendant have been unsuccessful, and the defendant’s current whereabouts are unknown,” Basurto wrote.

Messages to Badiali’s attorney, Robert Lamanuzzi, were not returned.

Hearing Postponed

Badiali and Qualls each face one arson charge. Salazar faces an arson charge, arson to commit another felony, four counts of mail fraud, and a gun charge.

All parties agreed to postpone a Jan. 21 hearing to June 3.

The defense is seeking additional time to review evidence and possibly reach a settlement.

“Counsel for all defendants have been in contact with the Government about potential plea negotiations. Based on those preliminary conversations, the Government is preparing proposed plea agreements,” the stipulation, signed by U.S. Magistrate Judge Sheila K. Oberto, said.

Qualls remains in custody at the Fresno County Jail. A judge set bail at $1 million for Salazar, who remains out of custody.

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David Taub,
Senior Reporter
Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email

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