New Year's fire in Puerto Rico claims 6th victim
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A sixth person died Saturday from a New Year's Day blaze that police say was set by one of her relatives as more than a dozen family members sat down for dinner.
Nereida Vazquez, who had been in an induced coma for weeks, died of a lung infection brought on by her injuries, according to a hospital statement.
She died two days after another burn victim, Pedro Sanchez, was released from the hospital. Vazquez's daughter, Patricia Sanchez, remains hospitalized and is receiving psychological care.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Authorities have accused Justino Sanchez Diaz of pouring gasoline on his family and then setting them ablaze with a torch Jan. 1.
In addition to Vazquez, the dead include the suspect's elderly mother; his teenage niece; his nephew, Jesus Sanchez; and Seattle resident Kate Donahue, who recently got engaged to Jesus Sanchez.
The last victim has been identified as Samuel Molina, whose relationship to Sanchez Diaz is not clear.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The relationship between Nereida Vazquez and Sanchez Diaz is also unknown; surviving family members have declined to talk to the media.
Sanchez Diaz has already been charged with five counts of murder.
It is unclear whether he has entered a plea or who his attorney is. The public defender's office in San Juan was closed Saturday and could not be reached for comment.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Police have not speculated as to a possible motive.