Murder Charges Filed After Deadly Arson Fire Kills Two in Brownsville – What Happened?

Brownsville, Miami-Dade County, FL — A man has been arrested in connection with a deadly fire that claimed the lives of two people in a Brownsville home last September. 61-year-old Jorge Marin Calderin is facing serious charges, including two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of attempted felony murder, and one count of first-degree arson.

The tragic fire broke out in the early hours of September 27, 2024, at a home located near Northwest 19th Avenue and Northwest 53rd Street. When firefighters arrived around 3 a.m., they found the house fully engulfed in flames. Inside, two people, a man and a woman, were discovered unresponsive. The victims were rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital but unfortunately later died from their injuries.

Initially, Calderin, a resident of the home, told investigators that he was unaware of how the fire started. He claimed to have been awakened by a smoke detector and found burning mattresses blocking his way out. However, an investigation revealed that the fire was likely set on purpose. Homicide and arson detectives found gasoline had been poured around doors and frames in the house, excluding Calderin’s bedroom. This raised suspicions that the fire had been deliberately set to target specific areas of the home.

Investigators also found inconsistencies in Calderin’s story. They found no evidence of burning mattresses and instead uncovered multiple points of origin for the fire. The accelerant used in the fire appeared to have been deliberately placed in specific areas, including the hallway leading to the bedrooms, but not near Calderin’s door. This raised doubts about his version of events.

Another piece of evidence that linked Calderin to the crime was his clothing. He was found fully dressed, carrying personal items such as a wallet, phone, and keys. His sweater tested positive for gasoline traces, suggesting that he had been in close contact with the accelerant. In contrast, the clothing of the two deceased victims showed no signs of gasoline.

Further investigation also revealed surveillance footage showing the fire starting rapidly with no one else entering or leaving the house before the flames spread. This, combined with the evidence found inside the home, led to Calderin’s arrest on March 17, 2025. He is currently being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center without bond.

The arrest has left the Brownsville community in shock and mourning. Neighbors reported hearing strange noises before the fire, and many are struggling to come to terms with the loss. One local resident expressed sorrow, saying, “I don’t even know what to say, it’s so hard for me… God be with them.”

Calderin faced a judge on March 18, 2025, and remains in custody as the case moves forward. If convicted, he could face significant prison time for his involvement in the deaths of the two victims.