West Jordan Police gives update on deadly house fire, believes father caused it

WEST JORDAN, Utah (ABC4) — West Jordan Police Department released new information regarding their investigation into the fatal house fire that occurred on July 18, stating that they currently believe that the father started the fire.

On Friday, July 18 at around 10 a.m., emergency crews responded to reports of a house fire in West Jordan. Three people died in the blaze, and one survivor, a juvenile female, was airlifted to the hospital in serious condition. She later died from her wounds.

Previously, West Jordan Police confirmed that it was an intentional act of arson, and the three people who died in the fire were a man, a woman, and a juvenile boy.

West Jordan Police have not confirmed the identity of the deceased individuals, but they stated that they have preliminary findings that lead them to believe they know who each of them is. However, they will not release any names until the Medical Examiner confirms their identities.

ABC4.com previously spoke to family members of the deceased, who confirmed them as Jaimar Bravo Gil, 33, and her two children, Juliano, 9, and Yorgina, 14. They also identified the father as Yordano Valencias Pina.

According to a press release from the police, one of the deceased individuals, who they believe is the father, called his employer the day of the fire and told them that he would be late for work. He also reportedly sold belongings, beginning a few days before the incident and leading up to the fire.

The investigation also found the father pacing outside the residence a few minutes before the explosion was heard, through footage from neighbors’ security cameras.

Police stated that they believe that the explosion was caused by a buildup of fumes from an accelerant, and investigators found a gas can “in the immediate vicinity” of the father. Respondents also reported a strong smell of gasoline throughout the house even after the fire was extinguished.

Investigators were also able to receive statements from the young girl before she died, and her statements also led investigators to believe that the father was the one who started the fire.

West Jordan Police held a press conference Tuesday afternoon where Sergeant Andrew Hercules detailed the information from the news release and answered questions from reporters.

He stated that they have no way of knowing motive since the person they believe started the fire is dead, but they have classed it as a murder-suicide. Next of kin have been notified, and police believe the individuals were a family of four with two children.

Sgt. Hercules stated that there was one previously reported incident at the residence, which he said was a domestic violence incident.

He added that the fire began inside the home, and victims were all found in different bedrooms of the house. The victims had no noticeable injuries besides those caused by the fire.

The statements from the juvenile female were taken “upon immediate contact” with her, he said, and he expressed sincere gratitude for the heroic efforts of passerby to help her. He said that their efforts allowed investigators to speak to her to get those statements.

Sgt. Hercules described the fire as a tragic incident and said that it is hard when tragedies like this happen so close to home. He thanked the community for their support and how they have come together in the wake of this incident. He added that the first responders appreciate the concern from the community.