Man accused of arson kills father and two young relatives in Richmond blaze
Police say 32-year-old Sergio Rivera-Vega set fire to his Richmond home, causing the deaths of his father, a 2-year-old niece and a 5-year-old nephew.
Authorities arrested Sergio Rivera-Vega, 32, after a blaze erupted Tuesday night at his Richmond residence on 15th Street, killing his 47-year-old father Jose Rivera, his 2-year-old niece Joline and his 5-year-old nephew Andrew. Firefighters discovered four people inside; the mother of the children was hospitalized in critical condition and continues to fight for her life. Rivera-Vega was booked on two counts of murder and two counts of arson causing great bodily injury, and a $2.5 million bail was set.
Family members have started a GoFundMe campaign to defray funeral and burial expenses while supporting the surviving mother and older sister. A modest private memorial took place Thursday evening outside the home. Police indicated the investigation remains ongoing.
Why it matters
The incident highlights a tragic family-related arson case that resulted in multiple deaths and a continuing investigation.
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