Richmond man charged in fatal family house fire

Sergio Rivera-Vega, 32, is facing charges for allegedly setting a house fire in Richmond, California, that resulted in the deaths of four family members. The victims include his 47-year-old father, Jose Rivera; his 33-year-old sister, Maria; and her two children, aged 5 and 2.

Authorities noted the circumstances were suspicious because a second fire broke out just two houses away while emergency responders were still attending to the initial blaze. Investigators believe Rivera-Vega intentionally set the fire. He was arrested at the scene on 15th Street.

Following the death of the children’s mother from burn injuries on Saturday, the total death toll reached four. Rivera-Vega’s arraignment has been delayed until September 8 to allow public defenders time to review the case. If convicted, he faces life without parole.