Second body found in ‘suspicious’ San Rafael apartment complex fire

(KRON) — The body of a second victim has been found in the charred ruins of a 19-unit apartment complex in San Rafael, which caught fire on the morning of Aug. 21.

The San Rafael Police Department announced Friday that investigators discovered the remains of one unidentified victim. On Sunday evening, crews found a second victim whose identity is also unknown at this time.

“Late this evening, while working through the severely damaged apartment complex, a second deceased victim was located,” the San Rafael Police Department said. “The deceased appears to be an adult. Due to the state of the remains found, no immediate identification can be made.”

Two people were declared missing following the fire, and dozens of residents were displaced. Officials have not confirmed if the bodies found are connected to the two missing people. The Marin County Coroner’s Office is working to identify the remains. 

“That process will take time and we ask for patience during that process,” SRPD said.

Officials declared the fire “suspicious” Friday. SRPD is asking for the public’s help obtaining more information about the fire. Witnesses or people with photos or video of the fire are asked to contact SRPD. Investigators are specifically interested in images of the building taken between 5 and 5:30 a.m. on Aug. 21.

“On behalf of the City of San Rafael and the first responders at the scene of the incident, we express our condolences to the families, friends and neighbors affected by this tragedy,” SRPD said.