Chapelle News

Richmond House Fire Allegedly Set by Uncle Leaves Two Children and Their Grandfather Dead, While Their Mother Remains Critically Injured in Hospital

RICHMOND, CA — A Richmond family is grieving after a house fire investigators say was deliberately set left three relatives dead and another family member fighting for life. Five-year-old Andrew and his two-year-old sister Joline died after the blaze Tuesday night, and their grandfather, Jose Rivera, also died.

The children’s mother remains in critical condition at a hospital. Family members say they are heartbroken and still trying to understand how the fire turned deadly so quickly. A young girl died early Thursday morning at the hospital, after the earlier deaths of her brother and grandfather.

Arrest And Charges

Police say the children’s uncle has been arrested in connection with the fire and now faces murder and arson charges. Investigators have described the case as a homicide investigation tied to the house fire, and the man is accused of setting the home on fire.

According to investigators, Jose Rivera was pronounced dead at the scene. Family members said Andrew died in an ambulance on the way to the hospital, while Joline later died at the hospital. The accusations remain part of an active criminal case, and officials have not released additional details about what led up to the fire.

Family Remembers Rivera

Relatives and friends described Rivera as a steady presence in the family and said he was admired as a father, brother and friend. They said he was the main provider for the household and someone who was always there for others. Family members also said he adored his children and grandchildren.

A GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $25,000 to help pay for the three funerals. On Thursday night, loved ones gathered for a small private memorial outside the home. Those who attended said they were still struggling to process what happened and how the family’s lives were changed in a single night.

What Happens Next

The fire remains under investigation, and family members have not received all the answers they are seeking. Authorities have not publicly said what started the blaze beyond the allegation that it was intentionally set. The criminal case against the uncle is now moving forward, with murder and arson charges pending.

People seeking updates should check with Richmond police and the investigating fire authorities for any new details about the case, the investigation, or the condition of the surviving mother. For now, the family is focused on the three funerals and on supporting the relative who remains hospitalized in critical condition.

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