Update, 4:45 pm:
San Diego police say they didn’t have enough evidence to prosecute a homeless man who was arrested on suspicion of killing three transients and severely injuring a fourth — including two who were set on fire.
Anthony Padgett was released from jail Monday and not charged with any crimes, four days after his arrest gave a sense of relief to the city’s homeless population.
Capt. David Nisleit defended the arrest, saying the 36-year-old Padgett resembled a suspect captured on convenience store surveillance video. Police still believe surveillance video shows the suspect.
Police also took into account that Padgett set a sleeping homeless man on fire in 2010, similar hallmarks to last week’s attacks.
Original Post:
SAN DIEGO — A man who police had identified as the sole suspect in a spate of attacks on homeless men that left three people dead was released from jail Monday and not charged with any crimes, authorities said.

Anthony Padgett, 36, was arrested Thursday near a trolley stop in the suburb of Chula Vista on suspicion of murder, attempted murder and arson. He was accused of attacking four homeless men over four days last week, including two who were set on fire. Police said at least three victims were sleeping alone.