Crime
Yesenia Mendez charged with arson in connection with fire that killed Houston Firefighter Marcelo Garcia
Yesenia Mendez, 38, has been charged with first-degree arson in connection with a fire that tragically claimed the life of Houston Fire Department Firefighter Marcelo “Ox” Garcia III on November 6, 2024.
Following the issuance of an arrest warrant, Mendez was apprehended by Houston Police Department officers with the support of Precinct 6 officers earlier today.
Authorities report that Mendez is believed to have deliberately ignited the fire at 6536 Supply Row, where Firefighter Garcia was killed in the line of duty after a wall collapsed during the intense 3-alarm blaze.
Over 100 firefighters responded to the incident, which HFD Arson Bureau investigators have since determined was intentionally set.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office are actively contributing to this ongoing investigation.
In a statement, Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz expressed appreciation for the collaboration of local and federal agencies, including HFD Arson, Houston Police Department, and METRO Police, which has been crucial in bringing forth the charges.
“This charge is a critical first step in a long journey of healing for the firefighters of Houston,” Chief Muñoz remarked, underscoring the profound impact of Garcia’s death on the fire department and the community. Funeral arrangements for Firefighter Marcelo Garcia are forthcoming as the Houston Fire Department and Garcia’s family, friends, and colleagues mourn his loss.
The community remains hopeful that justice will be served for Garcia and his family during this challenging time.
Crime
Dedric Page arrested and charged in fatal shooting of 7-year-old Quazariya Williams in Maxton
The shooting stemmed from a dispute between Page and the victim’s mother.
A 31-year-old man, Dedric Page, has been charged with first-degree murder and other offenses in connection with the fatal shooting of a 7-year-old girl in Maxton, North Carolina.
The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon when Page allegedly fired shots into a car containing five people, including the young victim, Quazariya G. Williams.
The girl later succumbed to her injuries at Scotland Memorial Hospital.
Page was arrested shortly after the shooting and is currently being held without bond on the murder charge.
He is also facing charges of discharging a weapon into occupied property and possession of a firearm by a felon.
The shooting stemmed from a dispute between Page and the victim’s mother.