$20K Reward Offered In Triple-Fatal South El Monte Arson Fire

SOUTH EL MONTE (CBSLA.com) — Officials Thursday offered a $20,000 reward for information that would lead to the arrest of those involved in an arson fire that killed three teenagers.

On April 25, deputies and firefighters responded to the 1200 block of North Santa Anita Avenue for report of a possible arson attack, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Upon their arrival, authorities located a young man suffering from severe burns inside Cheque Tires.

Officials said he later died of injuries sustained in the fire. The Coroner's office identified him as Rodrigo Gonzalez.

According to city officials, Destiny Monique Aguirre and Christopher Jimenez were later found dead inside the building.

The tire shop served as a community gathering place, authorities added.

Deputies explained Robert Fuentes, of Baldwin Park, was arrested in connection with the fatal fire, and was charged with three counts of murder with a special circumstance of committing multiple murders.

At 9:30 a.m., Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, investigators from the L.A. Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau, and family members of the victims attended a press conference to announce the reward for information in the case.

Solis said South El Monte City Officials will separately announce a $10,000 reward.

Investigators said additional suspects are believed to remain at large.