Houston Woman Charged with Arson and Murder in Firefighter’s Death, Community and Family Highlight Service and Mental Health Struggles

Yesenia Espinoza, 38, is facing a significant legal challenge after being charged with the murder of Houston firefighter Marcelo Garcia III and arson. The November 6 event at an East End warehouse left the Houston fire department in shock. According to KHOU 11 News, officials claim that the fire she reportedly started got out of hand and caused a wall to collapse, killing the 10-year veteran firefighter and injuring another.

“They discovered surveillance videos nearby which showed that the defendant was the only one who had access to that warehouse at the time and that she had dropped a red lighter nearby,” Assistant District Attorney Keegan Childers said after Espinoza was apprehended leaving the scene wearing a black and white dress. Houston METRO police then used facial recognition software to identify Espinoza. Before being charged with murder, the suspect was given a $100,000 surety bond after being taken into custody on November 9.

Born and reared in Houston, the late Garcia was a captain at Station 8. Firefighters at Fire Station 23 honored Garcia’s life of public service by paying tribute to his dedication to duty and close links to the community. “He was loved big time,” firefighter Abby Cortez told KHOU 11 News. “I mean immensely, he was loved.” Within the station where he worked for six years, his memory is still felt.

According to family testimony given to KHOU 11 News, Espinoza had a difficult existence filled with mental health issues. She battled depression and other problems as a mother of six, which sparked conversations about the possible inclusion of mental health issues in her trial during the court processes.

According to documents ABC13 was able to collect, Espinoza’s next court appearance is set for Monday.

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