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This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.

KPCC Archive

Mother dies from San Juan Capistrano condo fire that killed 3-year-old son

Inside the condo that went up in flames early Tuesday morning in San Juan Capistrano. A 20-year-old mother died Wednesday night following the death of her 3-year-old son after a fire broke out at their condo in San Juan Capistrano.
Inside the condo that went up in flames early Tuesday morning in San Juan Capistrano. A 20-year-old mother died Wednesday night following the death of her 3-year-old son after a fire broke out at their condo in San Juan Capistrano.
(
Courtesy of NBCLA.com
)

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The mother of the 3-year-old boy who died after a fire broke out at their condo in San Juan Capistrano has also died, the Orange County Register reports.

Marciela Sanchez, 20, died at UCI Medical Center in Orange around 9 p.m. Wednesday, while her son, Jaiden Liborio died around midnight on Tuesday, the Register reports. Her 2-year-old son remains in critical condition. 

"Our hearts break for this family and all of the residents that lived in the condo," Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Steve Concialdi told the Register. "This is an extremely tragic loss."

Sanchez and Liborio were among 17 people living inside the unit of the building when the flames broke out Tuesday morning, the Los Angeles Times reports

Orange County fire investigators determined that the fire was caused by a child playing with a lighter in the living room, Concialdi told KPCC Wednesday, adding that the condo did not have working smoke alarms.

"Our investigators, as well as investigators from Laguna Beach Fire Department, have done a thorough inch-by-inch investigation inside the condo," Concialdi told the Register. "But at this time, we are only saying that one of the children most likely started the fire with a lighter."

The other children who were at the home during the time of the fire are still being treated at the Children's Hospital of Orange County, while a 47-year-old woman who jumped out of a window remains in critical condition, the Register reports.

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Liborio's father, Alfonso Liborio, began a memorial fundraiser page with the hopes of raising $15,000 for the family.

"My family is deeply affected with this tragic accident. My wife and youngest son are still in grave condition. I ask for your help in these difficult times," the page states.

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