Smirking mugshot of evil Texas woman who started blaze that killed beloved firefighter
An evil Texas woman accused of deliberately starting a fire that killed a beloved firefighter was seen grinning in her mugshot.
Marcelo Garcia, 42, of the Houston Fire Department lost his life in the line of duty after he and his crew responded to a warehouse fire on Supply Row near Highway 90 on Nov. 6 around 11 p.m.
While battling the three-alarm inferno, a wall collapsed on Garcia and a fellow firefighter. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died.
Yesenia Espinoza Mendez, 38, has since been charged with first-degree arson after she was taken into custody on Saturday.
It’s unclear why or how she started the fire, but arson investigators believe the fire was deliberately set by Mendez. KPRC 2 reported.
“This attack is the first step in a long healing process for this city’s firefighters,” said Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz.
Marcelo Garcia, 42, of the Houston Fire Department was killed in the line of duty after he and his crew responded to a warehouse fire on Nov. 6 around 11 p.m.
Yesenia Espinoza Mendez, 38, has since been charged with first-degree arson after being taken into custody on Saturday. Arson investigators believe she deliberately set the fire
The other firefighter injured in the fire is in stable condition.
More than 100 firefighters battled the intense blaze, which is now under investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Texas State Fire Marshal’s office.
The fallen firefighter has worked for the department for 10 years, spending the last six months at Station 23.
Muñoz has remembered Garcia as a “true hero” who went out every day to work and serve his community.
“Every day he woke up to serve the public, just like all our brothers and sisters in the Houston Fire Department.
“His reason was to serve the public; saving lives, as the mayor said, so others can feel safe; a remarkable man who made the ultimate sacrifice. And every firefighter that puts on that shirt, that patch, that badge, that’s why,” the fire chief said.
The fallen firefighter (center right) has worked for the department for 10 years, spending the last six months at Station 23
Garcia also worked part-time as a real estate agent for Casa Antigua Realty.
The company has remembered him as a “humble and down-to-earth person.”
“God called one of our Casa Antigua Realty home, real estate agent Marcelo Garcia,” the company wrote.
‘A good friend. I will certainly miss his smile and his million real estate questions.”
First responders from across the city gathered in Garcia’s honor as his body was moved from the Forensic Science Center to the funeral home on Sunday.
An emotional video showed a large group of people standing silently as his body was moved.
A photo of him was displayed at NRG Stadium during the Texans Game on Sunday night as a large American flag was held over the field.
The Houston Football Association also paid tribute to the fallen firefighter in a Facebook post.
Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz has remembered Garcia as a “true hero” who woke up every day ready to work and serve his community
“On behalf of the Houston Football Association, we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Marcelo “Ox” Garcia III.”
The group said all matches this weekend will take place in a 23-second moment of silence in Garcia’s honor.
Garcia was born and raised in the Magnolia Park neighborhood, where “he was deeply committed to giving back to the people and places he loved.” obituary said.
He attended Texas Southern University, where he studied business administration, before starting a career as a firefighter in 2015.
‘For Marcelo it wasn’t just a job, it was a calling. He loved the camaraderie, the adrenaline and the purpose it brought,” the obituary said.
Garcia also worked part-time as a real estate agent for Casa Antigua Realty. The company has remembered him as a ‘humble and down-to-earth person’
Garcia is survived by his father, mother, stepmother, stepfather, sister, grandparents and numerous other relatives.
A public viewing for Garcia will be held Tuesday at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home
His funeral will take place Wednesday at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in downtown Houston.
This is evident from court documents obtained by KPRC 2Mendez was previously arrested for assault involving partners, two DWIs and child endangerment.
Bail was set for her at $100,000 over the weekend, and a judge reaffirmed it during a hearing on Monday.
If she does post the tape, she will have to wear an ankle monitor, according to the outlet.