Mother dies from injuries in Richmond fire, death toll rises to four
A 33-year-old mother who had already lost two of her children and a brother in a suspected arson fire in Richmond, California, died Saturday from her injuries, authorities said. The woman was taken to a burn unit in Santa Clara County after the blaze, and Richmond police Lt. Joseph England announced her death in an email Saturday night.
The fire was one of two that occurred two houses and 30 minutes apart in the 200 block of 15th Street. The woman’s 47-year-old brother died at the scene; her 5-year-old son died in an ambulance en route to a hospital; and her 2-year-old daughter died Thursday at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in Oakland. Authorities identified the three as 47-year-old Jose Rivera, his 5-year-old nephew Andrew, and his 2-year-old niece Arlette. The fourth victim was Andrew and Arlette's mother, Maria, who was critically injured in the blaze.
With her death, the homicide total in Richmond this year has reached nine, according to The Mercury News.
Charges filed
The Contra Costa County District Attorney on Friday charged 32-year-old Sergio Rivera-Vega with three counts of murder, and expects to add a fourth count on Monday. Rivera-Vega, who is from Richmond, is suspected of setting the fire and had also been charged with arson causing great bodily injury before the woman died, reported The Mercury News.
The Daily Mirror reported that officers established Rivera-Vega "intentionally" started the fire, and that he faces three counts of murder "with special enhancements" tied to the deaths of his father, nephew, and niece, as well as arson causing great bodily injury in connection to his sister's injuries. If convicted, the charges would carry a life sentence without parole, according to the Daily Mirror.
District Attorney Diana Becton said: "This fire is devastating for the entire family. Knowing the suspect is related to the victims - including two children - makes this loss even harder to comprehend this senseless act. Our thoughts are with the family and the community affected by this tragedy. Just know that my office is committed to following the law and holding the suspect fully accountable."
Rivera-Vega is scheduled to be arraigned and remains in custody with bail set at $2.5 million, reported the Daily Mirror. Police have called the tragedy "senseless and horrible," according to The Mercury News.
Family's account
Relatives have spoken about the suspect and the victims. Speaking to KTVU, Anselmo Rivera, Rivera-Vega's uncle, said his nephew had made verbal threats against the family in July and suffers from mental health issues. He described his brother, who died in the fire and "worked hard in construction," as "special" and "a very nice person."
A fundraiser launched by Rivera-Vega's sister, Evelin Rivera, aims to support the family with funeral costs and other expenses. In the fundraiser text, Evelin wrote: "My older brother set the house on fire... my dad died at the fire scene, my 5-year-old nephew died in the ambulance, my 2-year-old niece and my older sister were sent to the hospital... On Thursday early morning, August 20th, my 2-year-old niece passed away. This Saturday early morning, August 22nd, my older sister has passed away as well." She stated she is currently unemployed and struggling to cover basic living expenses.
Fundraiser support
Donations to the fundraiser have been substantial. The Mercury News reported that donations reached nearly $58,000 by Saturday night, with a goal of $70,000. The Daily Mirror reported that the fundraiser has amassed almost $60,000 (about £44,000) from more than 700 donations.