HOUSTON'S EAST END – A woman arrested over the weekend, suspected of setting a warehouse in Houston’s East End that killed a firefighter, stood before a judge Monday morning.
BACKGROUND: ‘A True Hero:’ Houston firefighter dies battling 3-alarm fire at an East End warehouse
Officials say 38-year-old Yesenia Espinoza Mendez is charged with first-degree arson for starting a fire where 42-year-old firefighter Marcelo Garcia was killed on Wednesday, Nov. 6.
According to a police source, Espinoza was taken into custody on Saturday.
It‘s still unclear why Espinoza started the fire at the abandoned warehouse, but her bond was set at $100,000 by a probable cause court judge over the weekend. During her hearing on Monday, the judge reaffirmed the bond and under her conditions, was must wear an ankle monitor if she posts bond.
Through court documents, KPRC 2 has learned the 38-year-old has a prior criminal history, where she’s been arrested for assault among several other things.
Tributes continue to pour in for the fallen firefighter, including at City Hall which was lit up in red honoring Garcia.
Garcia was killed responding to the fire on Supply Row near Polk on the city’s east side. While battling the large blaze, a wall collapsed, while firefighters were inside, injuring Garcia and another firefighter. Garcia was rushed to a nearby hospital where he died from his injuries.
The other firefighter suffered minor injuries and was listed in OK condition.
More than a hundred firefighters responded to the 3-alarm fire. Arson investigators believe the fire was intentionally set by Mendez. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as well as the Texas State Fire Marshal’s office are helping with the investigation.
Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz said, “This charge is the first step in a long healing process for the firefighters of this City.” He adds, “I want to extend my personal gratitude to our Arson Bureau, the Houston Police Department, and the METRO police department for their collaboration on this investigation.”
On Sunday, first responders from all over the city gathered for a procession, taking Garcia’s body from the Forensic Science Center to the funeral home.
There will be a public viewing for Garcia, on Tuesday at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home From 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.
The funeral will be on Wednesday at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, downtown, starting at 9 a.m.
HFD hasn’t experienced the loss of one of its own while battling a fire since the 2013 Southwest Inn fire that killed several firefighters.
Harris County court records indicate that Mendez has a lengthy criminal history dating as far back as 2009, including multiple assault charges involving partners, two DWIs, and a child endangerment charge.
Funeral arrangements for Garcia are still pending.