Richmond resident Sergio Rivera-Vega was arrested for murder and arson. Graphic & photo source: Richmond PD
Claims lives of 47-year-old man, 5-year-old boy
32-year-old being held on $2.5 million bail
By Lt. Joseph England, PIO, Richmond Police Department
Richmond, CA – On August 18, 2026, at approximately 8:16 p.m., Richmond Police Department officers responded to the 200 block of 15th Street to assist the Richmond Fire Department with a residential structure fire.
At approximately 8:47 p.m., while emergency personnel remained at the scene, Richmond Police dispatch was notified by the Richmond Fire Department of a second residential structure fire approximately two houses away from the original fire.
Richmond Fire personnel immediately responded to the second residence, where firefighters located four victims inside the home: a 47-year-old man, a 33-year-old woman, a 5-year-old boy, and a 2-year-old girl.
Emergency personnel immediately began providing medical aid. Tragically, the 47-year-old man succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The remaining three victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, the 5-year-old boy later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The 33-year-old woman and the 2-year-old girl remain hospitalized in critical condition.
The second fire was immediately considered suspicious because it occurred only two houses away from the first fire and began within a short period of time while emergency personnel were still responding to the first incident.
Due to the suspicious circumstances, detectives from the Richmond Police Department’s Homicide Unit responded to the scene and immediately began investigating. Detectives conducted interviews, collected evidence, and worked closely with fire investigators to process the scene.
During the investigation, detectives identified 32-year-old Sergio Ivan Rivera-Vega (born 8/02/1994) as the suspect in the second fire. Rivera-Vega is a relative of the four victims and resided at the home.
While detectives were conducting their investigation, Rivera-Vega was located near the scene and taken into custody without incident. He was subsequently booked into the Richmond Police Department jail on charges of murder and arson causing great bodily injury.
This unimaginable tragedy has taken the lives of a man and a young child while leaving a woman and another young child fighting for their lives. The Richmond Police Department and Richmond Fire Department extend their deepest condolences to the victims, their loved ones, and everyone affected by this devastating incident.
The Richmond Police Department is committed to conducting a thorough and comprehensive investigation. Detectives will continue working closely with the Richmond Fire Department and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office to ensure that all available evidence is examined, the full circumstances surrounding this incident are established, and justice is pursued for the victims and their family.
Arrested: Sergio Rivera-Vega, 32 yrs, Richmond Resident
Charges: Two Counts of PC 187(A) – Murder and Two Counts of PC 451(A) – Arson Causing Great Bodily Injury
Bail: $2,500,000.00
According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, four-inch tall, 140-pound Rivera-Vega whose race is listed as unknown, is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
