On Sunday, May 30, 2021, at about 1:45 a.m., firefighters, patrol deputies, and emergency medical technicians responded to a fully-engulfed working structure fire in the 3500 block of Fresno Avenue. Upon their arrival, they received information that people were still trapped inside the home. Once the fire was extinguished, it became clear that three residents were still unaccounted for.
A joint investigative response from the Denair Fire Department, the Stanislaus Regional Fire Investigation Unit, and detectives with the Sheriff’s Office Crimes Against Persons Unit began to process and analyze the scene carefully.
Sadly, we located and identified the remains of three people who died as a result of the structure fire. Their names are not yet ready for public release, due to the Coroner’s Office still needing to respond and make the necessary next-of-kin notifications.
We believe those who died were two young juveniles and one adult male, all of whom lived inside the home. The children included a three-year-old male, an eight-year-old male, and a 25-year-old adult male. We are still trying to determine the relationship between the three fire victims.
The cause, origin, and circumstances surrounding this triple death investigation are still active and very much on-going. Arson and criminal wrongdoing do not appear to be suspected at this time; rather it seems to be a tragic and unfortunate accident. We will be able to share further details as they become available.
Detective Gonzalez is the case agent and can be reached at 209-595-8686 should members of the public have any tips they care to share.
Source: Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office
