Arson suspect arrested in Rancho Cordova church fire

The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department has announced that an arrest has been made in Saturday’s destructive fire that destroyed a Rancho Cordova church.

According to arrest records, Luis Fernando Marroquin, 29, is in custody without bail and faces multiple charges, including alleged felony arson, felony violation of probation, and possession of paraphernalia. At this time, Marroquin is being held without bail and will make his first appearance in Sacramento County Court on Tuesday.

As previously reported by Folsom Times, in the early morning hours Saturday, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Casa Fuego de Dios church after receiving reports of a potential burglary, where they saw smoke coming from the building.

Crews from the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District were then dispatched at 2:54 a.m. to the building located in the 10000 block of Folsom Boulevard. Upon arrival, firefighters were faced with a fast-moving blaze, and the roof was already fully engulfed in flames. At that time, fire personnel upgraded the response to a second-alarm incident.

As of late Saturday morning, crews remained on scene as the smoldering remains of the building continued to burn. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Church leaders reported that prior to the fire, they had been alerted to a break-in through the facility’s alarm and security camera system. The cameras captured video of a man breaking in and uttering a series of curse words. Authorities have identified the suspect as Marroquin.

The church has reportedly experienced multiple incidents of vandalism and attempted break-ins in recent weeks. Church leaders say video has captured the man in previous incidents.

“Today we witnessed how evil really exists and how the devil hates a church passionate about the presence of God,” reads a statement from the church released Saturday. “Our building burned down by a man filled with hate for our ministry. But we know that our worship does not turn off because at all times we praise the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”

An online fundraising page for the church has been set up here.

“For a long time, we raised funds and invested in building a place where people could have an encounter with God and be transformed. Because of the fire, we have lost instruments, our sound and projection system, Sunday school supplies, and more,” reads a statement on the page from church pastors William and Merlin Resuleo. “Today, we ask for your support to help us rebuild our church. Any contribution, no matter the amount, will be of great help.”

The church building was demolished once the fire was fully extinguished Saturday due to structural safety concerns. The church was able to move its Sunday services to an alternate location off Cordova Lane this week.