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Criminal charges filed in line-of-duty death of Houston firefighter

Investigators have filed arson charges related to the death of Firefighter Marcelo Garcia during a warehouse fire

By Bill Carey
FireRescue1

HOUSTON — The Houston Fire Department announced on Nov. 9 that criminal charges have been filed in connection with the line-of-duty death of Houston Firefighter Marcelo Garcia, who was killed in a wall collapse while fighting a warehouse fire.

Yesenia Mendez, 38, is facing a first-degree arson charge. Investigators say Mendez started a fire that led to Garcia’s death, KHOU reported.


Firefighter Marcelo Garcia succumbed to injuries from a wall collapse during a warehouse fire

“This charge is the first step in a long healing process for the firefighters of this city,” Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz said.

Mendez is not currently in custody.

Funeral arrangements for Garcia are pending.

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