Second man sentenced in bar fire

Gabino Silva

HOUSTON – A second man has been sentenced to prison in connection to an east Houston bar fire.

Gabino Silva pled guilty to felony arson.  He was sentenced on Friday to spend 15 years behind bars.

Recommended Videos



Silva was one of two defendants charged in the April 2012 fire at the La Estrella Bar in the 8000 block of Harrisburg.

According to police, on the night of the fire, Silva and Jaime Mata were kicked out of the bar for fighting.  Surveillance video shows the two men barricading the front door to the bar to keep patrons from leaving, said police.  They are also seen pouring gasoline and setting fire to the back door of the bar.  The fire was quickly discovered, and patrons were able to escape through another exit on the side of the building.

Mata has already pled guilty to arson and is serving a 30 year sentence.