A 61-year-old Cuban man, identified as Jorge Marín Calderín, has been apprehended by Miami-Dade County authorities for allegedly setting a fire that resulted in two fatalities in September 2024. Marín Calderín is facing several charges, including two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of attempted murder, and one count of first-degree arson.
The devastating event unfolded in the early hours of September 27, 2024, when Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office officers and fire rescue teams responded to a blaze at a residence located at 1918 NW 53rd Street in Brownsville, an unincorporated area of Miami-Dade. Inside, firefighters discovered Amaury Aguilera Ramos, 29, and Bárbara Tamayo Guerrero, 58, unconscious in separate rooms. Both were urgently transported to the Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital in critical condition, but ultimately succumbed to their injuries due to the severity of their burns.
An autopsy revealed that the victims died from "thermal injuries and inhalation of combustion products," classifying their deaths as homicides, according to Marín Calderín's arrest warrant. In September, shortly after the fire, Marín Calderín gave an exclusive interview to Local 10 News, showcasing the damage to the home. At that time, no charges had been filed against him. However, after months of forensic analysis and investigation by fire officials, he has been identified as the alleged perpetrator of the tragic fire.
Marín Calderín's Account and Initial Doubts
Initially, Marín Calderín, who also lived in the house along with two other individuals who managed to escape unharmed, told investigators he was asleep when the smoke detector alarm woke him. He claimed to have found "two mattresses in the hallway, partially blocking his door," and that while trying to maneuver between them, his clothing ignited, causing burns to his back, buttocks, and hands.
However, the judicial order stated, "no evidence of burning mattresses was found in the hallway." Additionally, other aspects of the fire raised suspicions among investigators. "Marín Calderín was the only occupant who exited the house fully dressed, carrying keys, a phone, a wallet, and religious artifacts," the order specified.
Investigation Findings: Deliberate Arson
Arson investigators concluded that the fire was "incendiary" and had "multiple intentionally ignited points of origin." It was also revealed that "an accelerant was poured over the doors and frames of rooms, except for the bedroom door (of Marín Calderín)." A key piece of evidence was the Cuban's clothing. "Marín Calderín's sweater, which was burned during the fire, later tested positive for traces of gasoline," authorities disclosed.
The judicial order also noted that "a positive trace of an accelerant on clothing is consistent with it being poured or splashed," emphasizing that it is unlikely gasoline was transferred solely by contact with flames. Conversely, the clothing of the two deceased victims tested negative for accelerant traces.
As of now, authorities have not disclosed any possible motive for the alleged arson. Detectives also mentioned that "surveillance footage showed the fire igniting rapidly and that no one approached or entered the house in the moments leading up to the blaze."
Marín Calderín was arrested on Monday, and after appearing in court, a public defender was appointed to him, and he was ordered held without bail at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
Key Questions About the Miami-Dade Arson Case
What charges is Jorge Marín Calderín facing?
Jorge Marín Calderín is facing charges including two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of attempted murder, and one count of first-degree arson.
How were the victims in the Miami-Dade fire identified?
The victims were identified as Amaury Aguilera Ramos, 29, and Bárbara Tamayo Guerrero, 58, who both died from thermal injuries and inhalation of combustion products.
What evidence led to the arrest of Marín Calderín?
Evidence included positive traces of gasoline on Marín Calderín's sweater, and investigators determined the fire had multiple intentionally ignited points of origin.