The family of a deadly Richmond house fire has issued a heartbreaking plea for help as they mourn three relatives allegedly killed by their own uncle.
Sergio Rivera-Vega, 32, was arrested Tuesday night after police say he intentionally set the blaze at the home on the 200 block of 15th Street where he lived with his father, sister, and her two young children. The fire killed his father, Jose Rivera, 47, at the scene, and his 5-year-old nephew, Andrew, and 2-year-old niece, Joline, later died from their injuries at the hospital.
The children’s mother, Rivera-Vega’s 33-year-old sister, remains hospitalized in critical condition. A family member launched a GoFundMe page to cover funeral and burial expenses for the three victims, describing the devastation of losing so much at once.
“My mom and I are heartbroken and overwhelmed trying to process so much loss all at once,” the relative wrote on the fundraising page.
“We urgently need help with funeral services and burial expenses for my dad, my niece, and my nephew.”
The family member explained she is currently unemployed and struggling to cover costs while supporting her mother and praying for her older sister’s survival. “Anything will help, no matter how small,” she continued. “Please support us during this heartbreaking time. If you are not able to donate, please keep my family in your prayers and share this fundraiser.”
Richmond Police Chief Timothy Simmons addressed the arrest at a Wednesday news conference, explaining that detectives spotted Rivera-Vega standing behind police tape at the scene during their investigation. “While detectives were conducting their investigation, Rivera-Vega was located near the scene and was safely taken into custody without further incident,” Simmons said.
The chief did not mince words about the scale of the tragedy. “This is an absolute, unimaginable tragedy,” Simmons said. “It has taken the life of a man and a young child, while leaving a woman and another young child literally fighting for their lives.”
Lt. Joseph England, the department’s public information officer, noted that the timing made the second fire immediately suspicious. The first blaze had broken out around 8:08 p.m. At a home two doors down, and while firefighters were still mopping up that scene, bystanders alerted them to the second fire just after 9 p.m. “We firmly believe that these are two isolated incidents,” England said of the two fires. “Kind of a coincidence.”
The first fire, also being investigated as arson, resulted in a separate arrest and caused no injuries. Authorities emphasized the two incidents were unrelated despite their close proximity.
In the viral moment that drew national attention, Rivera-Vega was booked into jail on two counts of murder and two counts of arson causing great bodily injury, with bail set at $2.5 million. The Richmond Police Department issued a statement extending “our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this senseless and tragic event,” adding that “our thoughts are also with the woman and young child who remain hospitalized as they continue to fight for their lives.”
On Thursday night, loved ones gathered outside the burned home for a small private memorial. The family member’s GoFundMe post captured the raw grief of survivors left to pick up the pieces: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for any love and support.”
Police said the investigation remains ongoing. Rivera-Vega is being held at the Richmond Jail as detectives examine any previous calls to the home to establish a possible motive.