Suspect Charged with First-Degree Arson in Death of Houston Firefighter Marcelo Garcia

Charges have been brought against a suspect in the death of Houston Firefighter Marcelo Garcia. As reported by

KHOU

, Yesenia Mendez, 38, is facing first-degree arson. The Houston Fire Department (HFD) announced these developments this morning, indicating that Mendez is accused of starting the fire leading to a wall collapse that fatally injured Garcia while he was responding to the blaze.

During this warehouse fire on Houston’s East End, a three-alarm fire that over 100 firefighters battled, one wall came down and injured Garcia and another firefighter. “This charge is the first step in a long healing process for the firefighters of this city,” Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz stated, as reported by

Click2Houston

. Yet, as of this morning, Mendez remains not in custody.

Marcelo Garcia’s dedication to his duty is being memorialized throughout Houston, with City Hall bathed in red lights to honor his sacrifice. Tributes are pouring in for Garcia, who died after being transported to the hospital due to injuries sustained from the collapse. The other firefighter, who suffered minor injuries, is reported to be in OK condition.

Mendez, believed to have intentionally set the fire that took Garcia’s life, is still at large. The investigation, a joint effort involving the HFD’s Arson Unit, alongside the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Texas State Marshal’s Office, continues. “I want to extend my personal gratitude to our Arson Bureau, the Houston Police Department, and the METRO police department for their collaboration on this investigation,” Muñoz said, highlighted in the same statement to

Click2Houston

.

Note: Thank you for visiting our website! We strive to keep you informed with the latest updates based on expected timelines, although please note that we are not affiliated with any official bodies. Our team is committed to ensuring accuracy and transparency in our reporting, verifying all information before publication. We aim to bring you reliable news, and if you have any questions or concerns about our content, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!