Man arrested for murder, arson in connection to fatal Fresno fire that killed 2 young children
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A heartbreaking house fire in west central Fresno.
Smoke was pouring out of the home on Robinson near Marty Avenue just after 6:30 Tuesday morning as firefighters rushed in.
More than two dozen firefighters worked to put out the flames, but they were not able to save two young children: a 5-month-old and an 18-month-old.
Investigators say the mother of those children was able to escape the home and alert neighbors to call 911.
"When she was able to make it outside the house, she was able to run across the street to the neighbor's house, where they assisted her with putting her out of fire," said Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama.
The mother was soon rushed to the hospital with severe injuries.
Investigators say the children's father left for work before the tragic blaze.
They believe another family member who was living in the home intentionally set the fire.
A 29-year-old man has been taken into custody.
Top Stories
"On his own voluntary basis, he was making general statements which led us to believe this was, in fact, not an accident and an intentional criminal act," said Chief Balderrama.
Chief Balderrama did not identify the suspect, but said he will be booked into jail for two counts of murder and felony arson.
Fresno Fire Chief Kerri Donis said it was the first day on the job for two of her firefighters.
"They were the first in to find these victims, so there's a double layer of tragedy here," Chief Donis said.
Fresno Fire will work to determine the cause and origin of the fire alongside Fresno Police.
"Our hearts are broken this morning but in order to provide justice for this family, we're going to do the best job possible to investigate this thoroughly," said Chief Balderrama.
The mother of the children remains in critical condition.
The 29-year-old suspect has not been identified but is expected to be booked into the Fresno County Jail.
