Police said the suspected attacker also died after the early morning fire on South Fifth Street.
MONTEBELLO, Calif. — A mother and her 13-year-old son were killed Thursday after a suspected domestic violence arson fire tore through their Montebello home, police said.
The fire broke out shortly after 4:30 a.m. in the 100 block of South Fifth Street, just south of Whittier Boulevard. Montebello police said officers found a man and woman with severe burns in front of a burning residence. Both were taken to a hospital in critical condition and later died. A boy was found dead inside the home.
Montebello Police Chief Luis Lopez said investigators believe the man involved was the suspect. “This does appear to be a domestic violence related incident,” Lopez said. Authorities said the fire engulfed a detached unit and forced nearby residents to evacuate as firefighters worked to stop the flames from spreading.
Friends identified the mother as Rossy Borquez and her son as Atiel, though the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner had not officially released the names of the three people who died. Friends said Borquez had come to the United States from Mexico and had been trying to escape abuse. They described the man as controlling and jealous.
Neighbor Alisson Gomez said she escaped from a front apartment with her family and pets as the fire spread. She said she saw two badly burned adults outside the home. “She was just screaming for her son,” Gomez said. The boy did not make it out of the burned unit, authorities said.
Friends said Borquez had spoken recently about fear and conflict in her relationship. Hermalinda Anaya, a friend, said Borquez told her the man was angry and possessive. Another friend said Borquez had refused to stay with him because “he’s not a good man.” Police have not said how the fire was set or whether the man lived at the home.
Investigators remained at the scene for hours, collecting evidence from the burned unit. Authorities said the case is being reviewed as an arson and domestic violence investigation. The medical examiner was still working to notify relatives before releasing official identities.
The investigation remained active Saturday, with police and arson investigators working to determine what happened before the fire began and how the suspect reached the home.
Author note: Last updated Sunday, May 17, 2026.