Three generations of the same family have been killed in a house fire in Richmond, California, that was allegedly started by a relative. Sergio Ivan Rivera-Vega, 32, is accused of intentionally starting the blaze on the evening of August 18, which killed his father, his sister, his nephew and his niece.
Victims named
The victims have been identified as Jose Rivera, 47, Andrew, five, and Joline, two. Andrew and Joline's mother, 33-year-old Maria, was critically injured in the fire and is understood to have died from her injuries, according to her family.
District Attorney Diana Becton, of the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office, 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."
Charges filed
Rivera-Vega, from Richmond, faces three counts of murder "with special enhancements" in connection with the deaths of his father, nephew and niece. He has also been charged with arson causing great bodily injury related to his sister's injuries.
While the latest statement from the district attorney's office says Maria remains in hospital, relatives say she has now died. 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.
Family tribute and fundraiser
Speaking of his brother, who died in the fire and "worked hard in construction", Anselmo Rivera said: "My brother was special... a very nice person. Anybody who come and asks him for something, he always says yes. I miss him. I feel very bad for him."
A motive for the alleged arson attack is still being investigated. A fundraising page has been launched by Rivera-Vega's other sister, Evelin Rivera, to support the family with funeral costs. The fundraiser reads: "My name is Evelin Rivera, and I am creating this fundraiser for my family after a devastating house fire changed our lives forever. Tuesday late night, August 18, my older brother set the house on fire with my dad, my older sister, my 5-year-old nephew, and my 2-year-old niece inside. While the firefighters were turning off the fire, they started taking them out one by one. They announced that my dad died at the fire scene, and my 5-year-old nephew died in the ambulance. My 2-year-old niece and my older sister were sent to the hospital in critical condition that night. 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. My mom, siblings and I are heartbroken and overwhelmed trying to process the loss of our loved ones. We are asking for help with living expenses, after our home was destroyed in that tragic fire."
Ms Rivera stated she is currently unemployed and struggling to cover basic living expenses for her family. The fundraiser has so far raised almost $60,000 (£44,000) from more than 700 donations.
If convicted, Rivera-Vega's charges would carry a life sentence without parole. He is scheduled to be arraigned on the charges tomorrow and remains in custody, with bail set at $2.5 million (£1.83m).
