Suspect Facing Murder Charges After Triple Fatal House Fire

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

TEMPLE CITY - Authorities announced the arrest of a 64-year-old man in connection with a deadly house fire that killed three people and injured four.

Xuanhan Zhang was booked on suspicion of murder. He is being held in lieu of $2 million bail, according to Los Angeles County booking records.

A reported argument led to the deadly fire, investigators said.

Zhang, a resident where the fire happened, approached deputies at the scene during the subsequent investigation. It is unclear what, if anything, Zhang said to inspire deputies to detain him.

Zhang was arrested at 1 a.m. Monday, which is also his birthday.

First responders were sent to a house fire in the 6000 block of Sultana Avenue around 4:48 p.m. October 27. They reported a single-story, single-family home well-involved with flames.

Two victims emerged from the burning home before first responders arrived. One victim found in a driveway suffered burns to his upper extremities. The second was to the front of the house and suffered similar burns, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

While extinguishing flames, firefighters discovered three victims dead inside. One of the victims was found deceased in a bed, according to Los Angeles County Fire Department radio traffic.

The burning home was one of four residences on the property. None of the other residences were affected by the fire, according to the Los Angeles County sheriffs Department.

Zhang is scheduled for an appearance in Alhambra Superior Court Wednesday, October 30.

The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.