TURLOCK — A Turlock man accused of setting a house fire that killed his 2‑year‑old nephew stood in court Friday, avoiding the gaze of the grieving family as prosecutors filed a sweeping set of murder and arson charges that include allegations of torture and special circumstances that could make him eligible for the death penalty.
Richard Regalado, 29, appeared in an orange‑and‑white jail jumpsuit, his black hair unkempt as he sat beside his public defender in Stanislaus County Superior Court. He spoke only to say he could not afford to hire an attorney. A not‑guilty plea was entered on his behalf while the child’s family — hollowed by grief, some clutching tissues — watched from the back rows.
Regalado is charged with murder with special circumstances, torture, child abuse causing death, arson causing great bodily injury, arson of an inhabited structure and possession of an arson device. The criminal complaint alleges he acted intentionally and with premeditation, and that the killing involved torture. Prosecutors have not yet decided whether to pursue the death penalty.
The charges stem from a Wednesday morning fire in the 1200 block of Expedition Avenue, where more than a dozen neighbors stood in silent vigil as investigators removed the child’s body from the charred home.
“This is the kind of call that stays with you,” Turlock Police Chief Jason Hedden said. “A 2‑year‑old child lost their life in a way no child ever should.”
The fire was reported around 9:20 a.m. Six engines, two battalion chiefs and 25 firefighters responded, finding heavy flames consuming the rear of the home and attic. Interim Deputy Fire Chief Chris Jelinek said crews worked under “extremely difficult conditions” to search for the child.
Neighbors told police they saw a man leaving the home shortly before the fire erupted. Officers quickly located a man matching that description nearby. After the fire was knocked down, firefighters found the child dead inside a bedroom.
Detectives determined the blaze had been intentionally set and identified Regalado — the child’s uncle and last known caregiver — as the suspect. Investigators from Turlock Police, the Stanislaus Regional Fire Investigations Unit, the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigations and the Sheriff‑Coroner’s Office remained on scene throughout the day.
A GoFundMe organized by a relative had raised more than $19,000 by Friday afternoon toward a $30,000 goal to help the family, who lost all belongings in the fire.
“We appreciate the love and support and ask for privacy in this difficult time,” organizer Valerie Avila wrote.
The GoFundMe link is https://www.gofundme.com/f/coming-together-for-the-regalado-family.
Regalado remains in custody with no bail.
Regalado is scheduled to return to court for a case management hearing at 8:30 a.m. May 8 before Judge Robert Westbrook.
