Juan Carlos Torres Arraigned for Fatal Arson in October 2023

Springfield, Mass. — On Thursday January 23, 2025, Juan Carlos Torres, 44, of Springfield, Massachusetts was arraigned in Springfield District Court in connection with a Springfield arson that resulted in the tragic death of a young woman in October of 2023.

On October 16, 2023, at approximately 5:15 a.m., Springfield Police Officers, the Springfield Fire Department, and the Springfield Arson & Bomb Squad, with the assistance of Massachusetts State Police assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s Office, responded to a home on the 100 block of Grover Street for a report of a structure fire. Upon arrival, responders observed the front porch engulfed in flames. While fighting the fire, several firefighters entered the home and retrieved two victims from the burning home. Both victims were transported to Baystate Medical Center, where one victim succumbed to her injuries.

The victim has been identified as Janayrah Rivera, 18, of Springfield, Massachusetts.

Upon further investigation over the last fifteen months, members of the Springfield Arson & Bomb Squad, Springfield Police Department’s Homicide Unit, State Police fire investigators, and the Hampden District Attorney’s Office were able to identify the defendant, Juan Carlos Torres, in connection with the arson.

Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni stated, “We continue to mourn Ms. Rivera’s untimely death while we now turn our focus to the prosecution of the case. I thank and commend the investigators, who never relented, and did outstanding – and painstaking – work to bring this offender to the light of justice. Our partnership will continue to ensure that a fair process results in accountability for the offender and justice for the Rivera family and the community that was so affected by this act of violence.”

Springfield Fire Commissioner Bernard J. Calvi stated “I would like to commend the Members of the Springfield Fire Department Arson and Bomb Squad, the MSP Troopers assigned to the Fire Marshal’s office and the Detectives of the Springfield Police Department, and the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office for their hard work and dedication in bring this case to an arrest. This case shows that it may take some time but if you have started a malicious fire in the City of Springfield you will be brought to justice and pay for your crimes. I would also like to offer my sincere condolences to the family of Janayrah Rivera and hope that this arrest can give you some closer.”

Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers stated, “This incident was tragic, avoidable and could have been much, much worse.  I’d like to thank Detective Gregory McCain and the Arson & Bomb Squad who worked alongside our Homicide Unit under the direction of Captain Trent Duda for more than a year on this investigation which led to this suspect being identified and ultimately arrested.  I am hopeful this arrest and the ensuing prosecution by District Attorney Gulluni’s office can help to bring some justice to the family of this young woman whose life was cut far too short.”​

Massachusetts Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine stated, “These charges reflect local and state investigators’ dogged determination to follow the evidence, apply the law, and speak for Janayrah Rivera,” said State Fire Marshal Jon. M. Davine. “I would like to thank District Attorney Gulluni and his office, the Springfield Police Department, and State Police fire investigators for approaching this case with resolve, compassion, and professionalism. I also want to recognize Springfield Fire & Emergency Services for their bravery at the scene, defying heavy fire to rescue as many occupants as possible from deadly conditions inside.”

On Thursday January 23, 2025, members of the Springfield Police Firearms Investigation Unit, Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section, Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, and the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force apprehended Juan Carlos Torres at approximately 6:45 a.m. in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Juan Carlos Torres is charged with: (1) count of murder, (4) counts of attempted murder and (1) count of arson of a dwelling house. Mr. Torres was held without the right to bail. His next court appearance is on February 24, 2025, scheduled for pre-trial conference.

This remains an ongoing investigation by the Hampden District Attorney’s Office in conjunction with the Springfield Arson & Bomb Squad and the Springfield Police Department’s Homicide Unit.