A 2-year-old child was found dead following a residential fire in Turlock on Wednesday morning, leading authorities to launch a homicide investigation and arrest a family member.

On April 1, 2026, at approximately 9:20 a.m., crews with the Turlock Fire Department responded to a working structure fire in the 1200 block of Expedition Drive. Firefighters arrived to find heavy flames at the rear of the home that had spread into the attic.

A full alarm response brought approximately 25 fire personnel to the scene, along with mutual aid partners and ambulance units. Investigators with the Stanislaus Regional Fire Investigations Unit are working to determine the origin and cause of the fire.

Officers from the Turlock Police Department assisted with evacuations and securing the neighborhood. During the initial response, witnesses reported seeing a man leaving the area shortly before the fire started. Officers quickly located an individual matching that description nearby.

After the fire was brought under control, firefighters conducted a search of the home and discovered a 2-year-old child deceased inside a bedroom.

“Our crews arrived to a home fully engulfed in flames with reports that a child was inside,” said Deputy Fire Chief Chris Jelinek. “Firefighters worked quickly to control the fire and search the home under extremely difficult conditions. This is a tragic outcome that weighs heavily on everyone who responded.”

Due to the circumstances, the case was immediately turned over to detectives as a homicide investigation. Authorities say the fire was intentionally set.

The man detained near the scene was identified as the child’s uncle and the last known person responsible for the child’s care. He was later identified as Richard Regalado, 29, of Turlock.

Regalado was arrested and booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on charges of murder, aggravated arson, and child abuse causing death.

“This is the kind of call that stays with you,” said Police Chief Jason Hedden. “It impacts everyone who responded. A two-year-old child lost their life in a way no child ever should. Our hearts are with the family, and we will do everything we can to ensure accountability.”

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Giovacchini with the Turlock Police Department at (209) 668-6539.

Photo:TPD