A man is facing four murder charges after allegedly setting a fire that killed four members of his family, including two young children, in Richmond, California. Sergio Ivan Rivera-Vega, 32, is accused of intentionally igniting the blaze on Tuesday night at the family home.
The victims were identified as Rivera-Vega's father, Jose Rivera, 47; his sister Maria, 33; his nephew Andrew, 5; and his niece Joline, 2. Maria Rivera died from her injuries after the fire, according to authorities.
Rivera-Vega was arrested the day after the fire and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. Prosecutors have not publicly disclosed a motive for the alleged arson, but Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton described the loss as "staggering" and made more difficult by the familial relationship between the suspect and victims.
"Knowing the suspect is related to the victims - including two children - makes this loss even harder to comprehend this senseless act," Becton said.
The blaze destroyed the family's home. Survivors are seeking assistance for funeral expenses and living costs. An online fundraiser established for the family had garnered nearly $70,000 by Sunday morning. In an online appeal, Rivera-Vega's younger brother stated, "My mom, siblings and I are heartbroken and overwhelmed trying to process the loss of our loved ones."
Anselmo Rivera, Jose Rivera's brother and Sergio Rivera-Vega's uncle, told KTVU that the suspect had struggled with mental health issues and had allegedly made verbal threats against family members in the month prior to the fire. Anselmo Rivera described his brother, Jose, as a generous and hardworking man dedicated to his family, who worked in construction.
Rivera-Vega faces three counts of murder with special enhancements, and his bail was set at $2.5 million. His arraignment is scheduled for Monday.