SUBJECT: Structure Fire with Fatalities – Investigative Update
LOCATION: Avenue Liquors, 2147 Roosevelt Ave., Redwood City
DATE/TIME: November 3, 2025 5:34 AM
The Redwood City Police Department is nearing completion of its investigation into the November 3, 2025, fire at Avenue Liquors that resulted in the deaths of 56-year-old Benigno Nuguid Pare and 25-year-old Anil Kumar Sharma.
Some evidence remains under examination. However, investigators do not currently anticipate that the outstanding results will materially alter the investigative conclusions described below.
Both men were located in a loft area near the rear of the business. Investigators detected the odor of gasoline in the area. Pare was found with a chain around both wrists secured by a lock. Subsequent examination determined the chain tightly secured one wrist while remaining loose around 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.
Both the front and rear exits were found secured from inside the business, and investigators found no evidence indicating that any additional person participated in the incident.
The investigation has not identified any continuing threat to the public. The case remains active pending completion of the outstanding evidence examination. Additional information will be released if the remaining evidence materially changes the department’s investigative conclusions.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Redwood City Police Department at (650) 780-7100.
