2-Year-Old Killed in Turlock House Fire, Uncle Arrested

Police say the fire was intentionally set, resulting in the death of a toddler

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:52pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a charred, twisted metal object from a crime scene, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The grim aftermath of a tragic house fire that claimed the life of a young child, exposing the harsh realities of violent crime in the Turlock community.Turlock Today

A 2-year-old child was found dead after a house fire in Turlock, California on Wednesday morning. Police have arrested the child's 29-year-old uncle, Richard Regalado, on charges of murder, aggravated arson, and child abuse causing death, alleging that he intentionally set the fire.

Why it matters

This tragic incident has shaken the Turlock community and raises serious concerns about child safety and the need for greater mental health resources and support for families in crisis.

The details

Firefighters responded to the house fire around 9:20 a.m. and found flames coming from the back of the home. After extinguishing the blaze, they discovered the 2-year-old victim deceased in a bedroom. Witnesses reported seeing Regalado, who was caring for the child at the time, leave the home just before the fire started. Police quickly located and arrested Regalado, determining that the fire had been deliberately set.

  • The fire was reported around 9:20 a.m. on Wednesday, April 2, 2026.
  • Regalado was arrested shortly after the fire was put out.

The players

Richard Regalado

A 29-year-old Turlock resident who was the uncle of the 2-year-old victim and was caring for the child at the time of the fatal fire.

Turlock Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the incident and charging Regalado with murder, arson, and child abuse.

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What they’re saying

“This is the kind of call that stays with you. It impacts everyone who responded. A two-year-old child lost their life in a way no child ever should. Our hearts are with the family, and we will do everything we can to ensure accountability.”

— Jason Hedden, Turlock Police Chief

What’s next

Regalado is being held in the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center, and the investigation into the incident is ongoing. Authorities are encouraging anyone with information to come forward.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking tragedy highlights the critical need for greater mental health resources, family support services, and child welfare protections to prevent such devastating incidents from occurring in the future.