A woman accused of causing a fatal fire at a warehouse in Houston’s East End, resulting in the death of a firefighter, appeared in court on Monday morning.
Houston firefighter dies battling 3-alarm fire at an East End warehouse: A True Hero
A tragic incident occurred when a Houston firefighter lost his life while bravely battling a 3-alarm fire at an East End warehouse. This devastating event has left the community mourning the loss of a true hero.
Yesenia Espinoza Mendez, a 38-year-old individual, has been charged with first-degree arson for igniting the fire that resulted in the tragic death of 42-year-old firefighter Marcelo Garcia on Wednesday, November 6.
Espinoza was arrested on Saturday, as confirmed by a police source.
The reason behind Espinoza’s decision to start the fire at the abandoned warehouse remains uncertain. However, a probable cause court judge set her bond at $100,000 over the weekend. During the hearing on Monday, the judge reaffirmed the bond and imposed the condition that Espinoza must wear an ankle monitor if she is able to post bond.
According to court documents obtained by KPRC 2, it has been revealed that the 38-year-old woman has a previous criminal record, including an arrest for assault and various other offenses.
City Hall paid tribute to the fallen firefighter, Garcia, by illuminating the building in red. The gesture was met with an outpouring of support and condolences for the brave firefighter.
Firefighter Garcia tragically lost his life while bravely responding to a fire on Supply Row near Polk in the east side of the city. During the courageous battle against the raging blaze, a wall unexpectedly collapsed, causing injuries to Garcia and another firefighter who were inside the building. Despite immediate medical attention, Garcia succumbed to his injuries and passed away at a nearby hospital.
The other firefighter sustained minor injuries and is reported to be in satisfactory condition.
Over a hundred firefighters swiftly responded to the 3-alarm fire, which authorities suspect was intentionally started by Mendez. Assisting in the investigation are the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as well as the Texas State Fire Marshal’s office.
Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz expressed his belief that the charges brought against the individual are the initial phase of a much-needed healing process for the city’s firefighters. He took the opportunity to personally thank the Arson Bureau, the Houston Police Department, and the METRO police department for their collaborative efforts in conducting the investigation.
First responders from across the city came together on Sunday for a solemn procession. They escorted Garcia’s body from the Forensic Science Center to the funeral home. Garcia’s public viewing will take place at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home on Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The funeral is scheduled for Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in downtown.
The Houston Fire Department (HFD) has not lost any of its own firefighters in the line of duty since the tragic Southwest Inn fire in 2013.
According to court records in Harris County, it appears that Mendez has had a significant criminal past going back to as early as 2009. This history includes various assault charges involving partners, two instances of driving while intoxicated, and a charge of child endangerment.
The funeral arrangements for Garcia are still being finalized.
