An evil Texas woman accused of intentionally starting a blaze that killed a beloved firefighter was seen smirking in her mugshot.
Marcelo Garcia, 42, with 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 off Highway 90 around 11pm on November 6.
As he battled 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.
Its unclear why or how she started the blaze, but arson investigators believe the fire was purposely set by Mendez, KPRC 2 reported.
This charge is the first step in a long healing process for the firefighters of this city, Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz said.
Marcelo Garcia, 42, with the Houston Fire Department lost his life in the line of duty after he and his crew responded to a warehouse fire around 11pm on November 6
Yesenia Espinoza Mendez, 38, has since been charged with first-degree arson after being taken into custody on Saturday. Arson investigators believe she intentionally set the fire
The other firefighter who was injured in the blaze is in stable condition.
More than 100 firefighters battled the intense fire that is now being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Texas State Fire Marshal’s office.
The fallen firefighter worked for the department for 10 years, as he spent the past six months at Station 23.
Muñoz has remembered Garcia as a true hero who set out everyday 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; save lives, as the mayor said, so others can feel safe; a remarkable man who gave the ultimate sacrifice. And every firefighter that puts on that shirt, that patch, that badge, that’s the reason, the fire chief said.
The fallen firefighter (middle right) worked for the department for 10 years, as he spent the past 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 home one of our Casa Antigua Realty, real estate agents Marcelo Garcia, the company wrote.
A good friend. Will definitely miss his smile and his million real estate questions.
In honor of Garcia, first responders across the city gathered as his body was transferred from the Forensic Science Center to the funeral home on Sunday.
Emotional video showed a large group of people standing in silence as his body was moved.
A picture of him was displayed at NRG Stadium on Sunday night during the Texans Game as a large American flag was held across 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 everyday 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 games this weekend will participate in a 23-second moment of silence in honor of Garcia.
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, his obituary said.
He attended Texas Southern University, where he majored in Business Administration, before committing to a career as a firefighter in 2015.
For Marcelo, it wasn’t just a job — it was a calling. He loved the camaraderie, adrenaline, and the purpose it brought, according to the obituary.
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 countless other family members.
There will be a public viewing for Garcia on Tuesday at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home
His funeral is set for Wednesday at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in downtown Houston.
According to court documents obtained by KPRC 2, Mendez was previously arrested for assault on multiple occasions involving partners, two DWIs, and child endangerment.
A $100,000 bond was set for her over the weekend, and during a hearing on Monday a judge reaffirmed it.
If she does post bond she will have to wear an ankle monitor, according to the outlet.