Story thread · 2 reports / 2 sources

Redwood City liquor store manager started deadly fire at business, police say

nbcbayarea.com · 13h · first reportShare

A Redwood City liquor store manager who died in a fire at the business last year intentionally started the blaze, which also killed another person, according to police. The fire broke out inside Avenue Liquors on Roosevelt Avenue last November. Benigno Nuguid Pare, 56, and Anil Kumar Sharma, 25 , were found dead in a loft area near the back of the business, police said. Investigators smelled gasoline in the area. Police said Pare was found with a chain around his wrists, secured by a lock. Additional examination revealed the chain was tightly secured around one of his wrists but loose on the other. “Based on the physical evidence, witness statements, surveillance video, and the totality of the investigation, investigators believe Pare intentionally introduced and ignited gasoline in the loft area,” police said in a statement. Police also said the store’s front and rear exits were locked from the inside. A motive remains unknown. Redwood City Nov 11, 2025 Officials identify 2 found dead