Crime Revision

KING/Arson

Suspects Responsible for Child's Death Apprehended in Mattawan

by Colin King

KALAMAZOO, Mich.-- Early Monday morning, a 3-year-old girl died of smoke inhalation from a fire started in her duplex that night. Two men carrying a canister were seen fleeing the burning building in the Oakwood neighborhood. Considering the rarity of fires in the area, police suspect foul play; the investigation was heightened when Smoky, the firedog, sniffed out an accelerant in the scorched edifice. The damage done is estimated by police to be about $25,000.

The two suspects were apprehended by Kalamazoo Police in Mattawan at 6 a.m. on Tuesday and found to be one Richard Blanchard, 32 and a 16-year-old, unidentified juvenile. Police believe Blanchard is the estranged boyfriend of LInda Galindo, the mother of the deceased and two other children who lived in the duplex. 

"We believe there is a nexus between him, her, and the fire," said Patricia Clarkson, a Lt. Detective of the Kalamazoo Police Department. Police referenced domestic disturbance calls concerning the couple.

The events of the fire are documented as follows: At the time of the fire, Galindo was outside the building, which was thought to be evacuated until screaming was heard from the second floor. Her children, who were trapped in the second story inferno were promptly rescued by firefighters Bryan Walshe of Company 2 and Edward Jones of Company 4. The dramatic rescue required their extracting the children through a hole they tore in the roof. When pressed about the children's condition, Fire Marshall Marty Myers said, "They looked O.K to me."

But at 2:30 a.m, the Galindo children arrived at Bronson Hospital. Terry, 8 and Julio, 5, were treated for abrasions and contusions, and were released at 10 a.m. 3-year-old Jessica died at 4:13 a.m. of complications due to smoke inhalation.

"We did all we could, but the damage had already been done," said Ramona Walla, Information Specialist at Bronson.

The Kalamazoo Bomb Squad and Arson Specialists are currently investigating the possibility of arson. "Arson is inconclusive at this point, but it's highly suspicious," said Clarkson. 

Police are also investigating a link between the Monroe fire and a fire on Adams Street last Tuesday. "As far as we know, there is no connection between the two fires," said Clarkson. The two suspects are being held at the courthouse awaiting arraignment at 8 a.m. on Ocotober 29.

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