Fourth family member dies after Richmond house fire

A Richmond woman hospitalized since a fire that killed three of her family members last week has died of her injuries, the Richmond Police Department said Saturday evening, bringing the death toll in the August 18 fire to four.

"The Richmond Police Department is saddened to report that the 33-year-old woman who was critically injured in this incident has passed away as a result of her injuries," Lt. Joseph England, the department's public information officer, said in a statement.

England said no additional information would be released while the case remains active.

The woman's brother, 32-year-old Sergio Ivan Rivera-Vega, is accused of intentionally setting the fire at the family's home on the 200 block of 15th Street. He was already facing three counts of murder, filed by the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office on August 21, in connection with the deaths of his father, 47, his 5-year-old nephew, and his 2-year-old niece. Those charges were filed before his sister's death.

At the time the murder charges were filed, Rivera-Vega was also charged separately with arson causing great bodily injury in connection with the injuries his sister was still being treated for. Prosecutors said the murder charges carry special enhancements tied to the deaths of an adult victim and two minor victims that, if he is convicted, would carry a sentence of life without the possibility of parole.

"This fire is devastating for the entire family," District Attorney Diana Becton said when the charges were announced. "Knowing the suspect is related to the victims–including two children–makes this loss even harder to comprehend this senseless act. Our thoughts are with the family and the community affected by this tragedy. Just know that my office is committed to following the law and holding the suspect fully accountable."

Rivera-Vega is scheduled to be arraigned Monday, August 24, at 1:30 p.m. in Martinez. He remains in custody in lieu of $2.5 million bail.  

Richmond police and fire crews first responded to the 200 block of 15th Street at about 8:16 p.m. on August 18 for a residential structure fire, then were notified of a second fire two houses away roughly 30 minutes later.

Richmond man arrested after fire kills father, 5-year-old nephew

This story was last updated Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 12:08 p.m Update: The 2-year-old child who was critically injured in the fire has died from her injuries, Richmond police said Thursday. A 33-year-old woman remains in critical condition. A 32-year-old Richmond

Grandview IndependentSoren Hemmila

Investigators have said the two fires are unrelated; a woman whose name has not been released was separately arrested in connection with the first fire, which caused no injuries. Firefighters found four people inside the second home, and detectives arrested Rivera-Vega at the scene after spotting him standing behind the crime scene tape.

A GoFundMe organized by Evelin Rivera, who identifies herself as the sister of both Rivera-Vega and the woman who died, has raised more than $57,000 toward funeral and burial costs for her father, nephew and niece. The fundraiser, created before Saturday's announcement, describes her older sister as still fighting for her life.

"My mom and I are heartbroken and overwhelmed trying to process so much loss all at once," Rivera wrote on the fundraiser page. "Please support us during this heartbreaking time. If you are not able to donate, please keep my family in your prayers and share this fundraiser."