SPRINGFIELD — Juan Carlos Torres, 44, was arraigned in Springfield District Court on Thursday in connection with an October 2023 arson that resulted in the death of 18-year-old Janayrah Rivera.
On Oct. 16, 2023, at around 5:15 a.m., emergency services responded to a reported structure fire on Grover Street.
Firefighters discovered the front porch in flames and rescued two people from the home; however, Rivera later succumbed to her injuries at Baystate Medical Center.
After a fifteen-month investigation, Torres was linked to the arson by the Springfield Arson & Bomb Squad, the Springfield Police Department’s Homicide Unit, State Police fire investigators, and the Hampden District Attorney’s Office.
Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni commended the investigators for their work and emphasized the commitment to justice for Rivera’s family and the community.
Springfield Fire Commissioner Bernard J. Calvi and Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers also praised the collaborative efforts leading to Torres’ arrest, expressing condolences to Rivera’s family.
State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine highlighted the determination of investigators to hold Torres accountable, thanking the various departments for their professionalism.
Torres was apprehended on Thursday morning by local and state law enforcement.
He faces charges of murder, attempted murder, and arson and was held without bail.
A pre-trial conference is set for Feb. 24.
The investigation remains active, led by the Hampden District Attorney’s Office, Springfield Arson & Bomb Squad, and Springfield Police Department’s Homicide Unit.
