California Man Faces New Charges for Fatal Fire After Allegedly Killing His Father
A 33-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of setting a fatal fire in Union City that resulted in the death of a 66-year-old man. This arrest comes several years after he was accused of stabbing his father.
On September 23, Union City Police responded to reports of a house fully engulfed in flames on 14th Street. Upon arrival, officers witnessed a significant fire. While all other residents managed to escape, the 66-year-old victim was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Initially, a 57-year-old woman was arrested in connection with the fire but was subsequently released. Investigators then identified Christopher Schwenk as the primary suspect, leading to his arrest. He faces charges of murder and arson, with bail set at $250,000.
In a related incident from November 2019, the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office had charged Schwenk with the murder of his 55-year-old father, Troy Schwenk. During a welfare check at a home on San Miguel Avenue, deputies discovered the elder Schwenk deceased on the floor. Although the specifics of his injuries were not disclosed, reports indicate he had been stabbed. Ultimately, the murder case against Christopher Schwenk was dismissed due to insufficient evidence.
