A Brownsville man has been arrested and charged in connection with a deadly house fire that killed two people last September.
Authorities say Jorge Marin Calderin, 61, intentionally set multiple areas of the home ablaze before claiming to be a victim. He was arrested Monday and now faces two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of attempted felony murder, and first-degree arson, according to court records.
During his Tuesday court appearance, Calderin was ordered held without bond as the case proceeds.
Investigation Details
The fire broke out in the early hours of September 27, 2024, at a home near NW 19th Avenue and NW 53rd Street. Firefighters arrived to find the house engulfed in flames, with smoke pouring from the windows.
Inside, emergency crews discovered a man and a woman unresponsive. Both victims were rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center, where they later died from their injuries.
Authorities later determined that gasoline had been poured over doors and frames throughout the house, except in Calderin’s room. Initially, Calderin denied knowing what caused the fire, telling reporters, “It’s five of us who lived in the house.”
Arrest and Charges
Witnesses reported hearing loud banging and shouting before the fire erupted. A neighbor’s cell phone video captured police placing Calderin in a squad car at the scene, though he was not arrested at the time.
After an extensive investigation involving homicide and arson detectives, as well as Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, authorities concluded the fire was intentionally set, leading to Calderin’s arrest.
Calderin remains in police custody as the case moves forward.
