The Rochester community is heartbroken after a family of four, including two young children, were found dead in what authorities are investigating as a homicide. Emergency personnel responded to a reported fire at a residence on Knapp Avenue in Irondequoit early Saturday morning only to discover that four occupants were already dead inside, but it was not the fire or smoke that killed them.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered flames engulfing the home. They were able to bring the fire under control and extinguish multiple fires throughout the house. During their search, crews found the deceased bodies of two adults and two children in the basement.
The victims have been identified as 30-year-old Fraime Ubaldo, 26-year-old Marangely Moreno-Santiago, 4-year-old Evangeline Ubaldo-Moreno, and 2-year-old Sebastian Ubaldo-Moreno. The family had been residing in the home for several years.
Irondequoit Police took over the investigation after deeming the circumstances suspicious. Chief Scott Peters confirmed that the causes of death have been determined but are not yet being disclosed to the public.
However, he was clear that the victims' injuries were not consistent with those typically associated with a fire. Based on his comments, there is a strong possibility law enforcement believes the fire was set to cover up the four murders.
"This is Labor Day. It's supposed to be a joyous time spending time off with your family. This family doesn't have that anymore," said Chief Peters. "This [case] will be resolved. This will be something our department will work on 100 percent. We won't stop until we do solve it."
Investigators are still determining the cause of the fire and awaiting official reports on the causes of death. Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the Irondequoit Police Department at (585)-336-6000 or (585)-423-9300.
Information from independent reporting and WROC.
Parents, 4-year-old and 2-year-old Murdered, Bodies Found in Basement